SMU Loses At Cincinnati

via SMU

CINCINNATI (AP) — Troy Caupain scored 16 points and blunted SMU’s comeback, and No. 22 Cincinnati let most of a 15-point lead slip away before holding on for a 66-64 victory Thursday night.

The Bearcats (14-2, 4-0) won a matchup of the last two unbeaten teams in American Athletic Conference play, taking their seventh straight game overall. Gary Clark led Cincinnati with 18 points, including two 3s that matched his career high.

SMU (14-4, 4-1) lost its 10-game winning streak, which tied for third-longest in school history. Sterling Brown led the Mustangs with a season-high 20 points and 11 rebounds, but missed a 3-point shot that would have given the Mustangs the lead with 10 seconds left.

Kyle Washington had a pull-up jumper and a 3-pointer during a 16-point run that put Cincinnati ahead 27-12. SMU opened the game 4 of 19 from the field with five turnovers. Semi Ojeleye, who leads the Mustangs at 17.9 points per game, was limited to two free throws in the first half. He finished with 12 points.

Foster’s 3-pointer cut the lead to 54-52, but Caupain’s 3-pointer ended the SMU comeback. SMU never got closer than two points the rest of the way.

The Mustangs remain on the road for their next game on Sunday, Jan. 15 when they travel to New Orleans, La. to take on Tulane. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m. and the game will be televised CBS Sports Network.