The No. 6 seed Cincinnati Bearcats got to the regional semifinals by knocking off the Texas Longhorns and then the Florida State Seminoles. Each team gave Cinci a scare, just in different ways.
The Bearcats jumped all over No. 11 Texas, holding the Longhorns to just eight points over the game's first 14 minutes and establishing what looked to be an insurmountable lead. But UT chipped away and eventually tied the game at 52. Cincinnati never panicked, though, and was able to hang on for the 65-59 win.
The FSU game was tight throughout. Neither team led by more than five until the final minute. Tied at 50, Cinci went on a 8-2 run and salted away the waning moments for a 62-56 win over the No. 3 seed Seminoles.
The Bearcats had great offensive balance in both contests. Against the Longhorns, each starter scored at least eight; Yancy Gates led the way with 15 points and 10 boards. The FSU game was more of the same: Four players had between nine and 18. Sean Kilpatrick poured in four triples and led all scorers with 18.
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