CINCINNATI — David DeJulius had 21 points and Cincinnati ended Virginia Tech’s season with an 81-72 victory Wednesday night in the first round of the NIT.
DeJulius had six rebounds and seven assists for the Bearcats (22-12), while Landers Nolley II scored 15 points and added 12 rebounds against his first college team. Jeremiah Davenport shot 4 for 6, including 3 for 5 from beyond the arc, to finish with 12 points.
Justyn Mutts led the Hokies (19-15) with 19 points and six rebounds. Grant Basile added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Hunter Cattoor had 13 points and Sean Pedulla had 10 points and five assists.
DeJulius scored seven points in a tight first half, but Cincinnati went into halftime trailing 33-29. DeJulius had 14 points in the second half as the Bearcats outscored the Hokies 52-39 the rest of the way.
Virginia Tech shot 45.5% from the field, but only 23.1% (6 of 26) from 3-point range. Cincinnati shot 46.0% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc.
The Bearcats took advantage at the foul line, converting 17 of 20 free throws for 85%. The Hokies made 6 of 8 from the line.
Virginia Tech led by six on two occasions early in the second half, but Cincinnati caught up at 46 on Davenport’s jumper with 14:57 left.
Mika Adams-Woods’ layup 21 seconds later gave the Bearcats the lead for good, although the Hokies stayed within striking distance until just over a minute left.