Bearcats pick up home win against Wichita State

David DeJulius scored 17 points to lead a balanced offensive attack, as the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team defeated Wichita State 85-76 Thursday night at Fifth Third Arena.

Mika Adams-Woods added 15 points, six rebounds and three assists to help Cincinnati (17-9, 7-6 American Athletic Conference) avoid its third straight loss and complete the regular-season sweep of the Shockers. The Bearcats picked up a 61-57 road win Jan. 16 at Wichita State.

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With Abdul Ado back in the starting lineup after missing Tuesday night's game with an ankle injury, Cincinnati looked to have a pep in its step early. UC grabbed an early 9-3 advantage before Ado picked up two quick fouls and headed to the bench.

Cincinnati stayed hot, knocking down five of its first 7 shots. Adams-Woods and John Newman III hit back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Bearcats ahead 15-7 inside the 15:00 mark.

Shooting 79% (11-for-14) from the field, including 88% (7-for-8) from 3-point range in the opening minutes, UC stormed out to a 32-11 lead before cooling off and going into halftime ahead 42-35.

Eight different players scored in the first half for Cincinnati. All of them had at least four points..

Wichita State guard Dexter Dennis scored 10 of his 14 points before intermission.

The Bearcats shot 57% (17-for-30) the rest of the way to at least take a step out of the hole they dug for themselves over the past three-plus weeks.

Ricky Counil IV, averaging 15.2 points over the last six games, finished with a team-high 17 for the Shockers (13-10, 4-7).