CINCINNATI — From the moment David DeJulius sank his first shot of the day, a straightaway three 18 seconds in, the Bearcats made it clear they would not slip up on Senior Day.
DeJulius finished with a career-high 30 points, including a nasty crossover and step back 15-footer with 5:45 left that thrilled the sellout crowd at Fifth Third Arena as the Bearcats easily disposed of SMU (10-21, 5-13), 97-74, Sunday in the American Athletic regular season finale.
This is what it's all about.
It's a CAREER HIGH 30 POINTS for @DavidDejulius as he checks out for the final time in Cincinnati. ?#Bearcats | #TheMovement pic.twitter.com/KAWkvOWshg
— Cincinnati Men’s Hoops (@GoBearcatsMBB) March 5, 2023
With Tulane holding on at home against Temple, the Bearcats (20-11, 11-7) finish with the No. 4 seed and will play No. 5 Temple Friday at 3 p.m. in the AAC quarterfinals in Fort Worth, Texas.
While the biggest roar of the day was saved for a cameo courtside and videoboard appearance by Bengals star receiver Tee Higgins with 11:52 remaining in the game, the crowd was thoroughly entertained by the Bearcats. UC started the game hitting nine of their first 13 3-point attempts.
Bengals star WR Tee Higgins receives standing ovation during media timeout at UC. pic.twitter.com/XEXNuuly6L
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) March 5, 2023
They led most of the first half by double digits and played a complete 40-minute game, something they’ll have to repeat three times in Texas if they want to punch a ticket to the big dance in two weeks.
While DeJulius was 11-of-18 from the field, Landers Nolley Jr. also had a huge day, knocking down 5-of-8 from deep and finishing with 24 points.
Landers Nolley and David DeJulius (career-high 30 pts) talk about a huge day in Bearcats win on Senior Day. pic.twitter.com/KRaGQrgoQp
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) March 5, 2023
