Cincinnati, Oh.- Cincinnati used a 11-2 run late in the first half to pull away from Savannah State and never looked back as the Bearcats remained undefeated with a 54-41 win over SSU in Fifth Avenue Arena before a crowd of 3,949 fans.

The Tigers trailed 18-8 but roared back with seven unanswered points to close within three points with 7:07 on the clock. The run started with a dunk by Cedric Smith followed by a 3-pointer and a layup from Jovonni Shuler.

Cincinnati replied to the Tigers spurt with a 11-2 run that gave them a 29-17 edge with 1:06 on the clock.

The Bearcats led 29-17 at intermission.

SSU's deficit increased to 17 early in the second half.

Trailing 48-28 with 4:23 remaining, the Tigers put together a 11-2 run of their own to get within 11 but could get no closer.

For the game, SSU (1-6) shot 38.1 percent from the floor while the Bearcats shot 38 percent.

In the second half, the Tigers were 1 of 2 from the free throw line while Cincinnati made 11 of 13 shots.

The Bearcats won the rebounding battle 37 to 28 and scored 23 points off SSU turnovers.

Shuler led all scorers with 14 points.

Yancy Gates had 12 points for the Bearcats (4-0). Cashmere Wright, a Savannah native scored 11 points.