The Cincinnati Bearcats made sure that the Verizon Center didn't see any upsets Thursday in a 78-63 win over the Missouri Tigers Thursday.
Yancy Gates had 18 points to lead all scorers, while Dion Dixon had 16 points for Cincinnati. Cashmere Wright had 11 points and six assists. For Missouri, Ricardo Ratliffe had 13 points and four rebounds to lead the Tigers. Michael Dixon would add 11 points.
After Missouri jumped out to an early lead, the Bearcats would fight back and take the lead for good midway through the first half. Cincinnati would extend their 11-point halftime lead to as many as 19 and the result was never in doubt.
With Cincinnati's win, all higher seeds prevailed at Verizon Center Thursday. The Butle Bulldogsr, Pittsburgh Panthers, Connecticut Huskies and the Bearcats all advance to Saturday's third round. The Bulldogs will face the Panthers, while the Huskies will meet their fellow Big East members.