Cincinnati’s Bearcats opened the 2025-26 season with a dominant 79-53 victory over American on Monday night, securing their seventh consecutive season-opening win and eighth straight home opener. The Bearcats, who returned only one player from the previous roster, controlled the game’s tempo, holding a slim 35-33 lead at halftime before unleashing a 24-point second-half surge to dismantle the Eagles. This emphatic start sets the tone for a young squad looking to maintain its recent momentum under new leadership.
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Offensively, MJ Collins Jr. and Tyler Tejada anchored the attack with 13 points each, providing the scoring punch necessary to break American’s defense. Tejada was efficient from distance, hitting three of his five three-point attempts, while Collins contributed solidly from the field. Beyond scoring, the Bearcats showcased balanced play with Tylen Riley distributing five assists and David Iweze dominating the defensive glass off the bench with seven rebounds, four steals, and two blocks. This multifaceted performance highlights the depth and versatility Cincinnati is building for the upcoming season.
For Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun, the win marked a significant personal milestone as he celebrated his debut at his alma mater. The former Utah State coach is now just two career victories away from reaching 300 wins, a testament to his enduring success in college basketball. While American’s Madden Collins led the Eagles with 20 points and Julen Iturbe added 10 points and seven rebounds, the team’s inability to match Cincinnati’s second-half intensity proved costly. The result reinforces Cincinnati’s status as a formidable home team and signals a strong start for Calhoun’s new tenure.
Source: Yahoo Sports
