It was different, but college basketball was back.
In front of just family and members of the spirit squads, the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team rallied from a disjointed start to open the program's 120th season with a 67-55 win over Lipscomb Wednesday night at Fifth Third Arena.
It marked the latest season opener for the Bearcats since the 1978-79 campaign (an 84-72 loss at Long Beach State on Dec. 2, 1978).
The benches were on the opposite sideline and the chairs were spaced out across two rows for safe distancing. Coaches wore masks, and the speakers were filled with sounds of a band and a large crowd that weren't actually there.
"It was weird seeing an arena that can hold thousands of people (12,012) like that being empty," Cincinnati forward Rapolas Ivanauskas said. "It was definitely weird."
Nonetheless, the Bearcats rallied through the irregular environment, rode a wave of second-half momentum provided by former Moeller High School standout Jeremiah Davenport and outscored Lipscomb 24-6 in the final 7:15 to prevail in their first test of the season.
"JD is a one-man crowd," second-year Cincinnati coach John Brannen said of Davenport, who had four points, including a breakaway dunk, four assists and two steals in 14 minutes off the bench. "JD can probably be the voice of at least 2,000 people. He's got his energy, he likes to be heard, and we like when he does it because he makes some big-time plays."
Next up: UC will host rival Xavier (5-0) on Sunday in the Crosstown Shootout. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on ESPN.
What we learned from the season opener:
The starting five were who we thought they were
Michigan transfer David DeJulius, preseason first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection Keith Williams, sophomore Mika Adams-Woods, Ivanauskas, a Northwestern and Colgate transfer, and preseason second-team All-AAC big man Chris Vogt got the start.
The five combined to score 55 of Cincinnati's 67 points, including a late surge by Vogt who finished with 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, seven rebounds and three blocks.
Williams' value will be immeasurable this season
Williams, who is expected to be the top offensive option for Brannen this season now that Jarron Cumberland is no longer on the roster, picked up two early fouls and then another in the first half. The senior leader was forced to watch most of the opening period and the beginning of the second half from the bench.
He finished with just seven points on 2-of-10 shooting.
"I've been through it too. When you're in foul trouble, it's kind of hard to get the flow of the game and get going. It's a lot going on," said Adams-Woods, who scored a game-high 16 points. "But we already know by Sunday, when he comes back, he's going to be fine. When he's not in foul trouble, we'll be better as a team."
Williams chose to return to Cincinnati for his senior season after testing the NBA Draft waters.
Williams had his best season as a Bearcat last year, starting 29 of UC’s 30 games while averaging 12.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
Without Williams on the floor, the Bearcats lacked intensity early on, forcing Brannon to light up his squad during a timeout.
"I'm really proud of our guys and their ability to step up, particularly when one of the best players in our league (Williams) has as much of an off night as I've ever seen him have and still get the win," Brannen said.
Cincinnati will go only as far as Williams takes them. That won't be very far if he's not on the floor.
Brannen's 'really, really, really good' freshmen got a wakeup call
During media day in October, Brannen said this freshman class "has a chance to be really, really, really good."
Forward Tari Eason and guards Mike Saunders Jr. and Gabe Madsen got their first taste of college basketball on Wednesday, and it wasn't the easiest bite to digest.
"I thought Tari, Gabe and Mike all looked like freshmen," Brannen said. "Tari made a big defensive play, and then came down and tried to do a little too much with one of the dribbles. And then he was out of place defensively two times in a row. Those things, that's what happens (when you're a freshman). ... But they'll be fine. Tari's going to be outstanding, as all those other guys are."
Eason soared high above the rim for his two points, while Saunders and Madsen were held scoreless.
Madsen was the first player off the bench. He came in when Williams had to sit with two early fouls.
Madsen's twin brother, Mason, did not play. Mason, who watched the game while sporting a walking boot, is nursing a high ankle sprain, Brannen said. He will be re-evaluated over the weekend.