Memphis vs. Cincinnati final score: Bearcats upset No. 18 Tigers

The Cincinnati Bearcats used their athleticism and defense to frustrate and stifle the No. 18 Memphis Tigers, 69-53, grabbing a big road win in the AAC.

Bearcats forward Justin Jackson was the difference-maker, scoring 13 points, grabbing eight rebounds and blocking seven shots, including several in the moments when Cincinnati pulled away in the second half. AAC leading scorer Sean Kilpatrick was quiet in the first half, but hit a huge three to make it 64-51 in the game's waning moments, effectively ending any chance the Tigers had of a comeback, and finished with 18 points.

The Tigers started sloppy and finished sloppy, never getting in sync. They turned the ball over 16 times and shot 33.3 percent from the floor, 2-17 from deep and 9-15 from the free throw line. Joe Jackson was Memphis' most effective player, leading the team with 13 points on 6-13 shooting. The Tigers really needed more from Geron Johnson and Chris Crawford, who combined to shoot 4-24 for 12 points.

The Bearcats moved to 2-0 in the AAC and 13-2 overall, and they had the look of an NCAA tournament team. Getting a blowout road win over a ranked team is something the NCAA Tournament committee smiles upon. Memphis falls to 1-1 in the AAC and 10-3 overall. The Bearcats are not in jeopardy of NIT territory yet, but if they let this loss affect them for games to come, they could very well find themselves on the bubble.