CINCINNATI, Ohio | Alabmaa State University got 13 points and seven rebounb but it was Cincinnati that claimed an 88-51 victory over the Hornets Wednesday night at Fifth Third Arena.

The Bearcats (7-4) took control early, building a 50-25 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and a dominant presence in the paint. Cincinnati shot 49.3 percent from the field for the game and outscored Alabama State 44-20 in the paint while forcing 17 turnovers.

Miller finished 11 of 12 from the field and added 14 rebounds to lead a balanced Cincinnati effort. Jizzle James added 16 points off the bench, while Shon Abaev scored 13 and Kerr Kriisa contributed seven assists.

Alabama State (3-8) was led by Micah Simpson, who scored 13 points on 5-of-21 shooting. Asjon Anderson added nine points, and Jerquarius Stanback finished with seven points and seven rebounds for the Hornets.

Cincinnati opened the game with a 10-2 run and steadily extended the margin, pushing the lead to as many as 26 points before halftime. The Bearcats continued to control the tempo after the break, stretching the advantage to 38 midway through the second half.

Alabama State shot 29 percent from the field and 20 percent from 3-point range, while Cincinnati converted 14 of 20 free throws and scored 28 bench points.