The Cincinnati Bearcats defeated the Seton Hall Pirates 62-57 on Saturday afternoon in front of 13,000 fans at Fifth Third Arena.

The Bearcats (19-8, 9-5 Big East) got a potential resume-building win over a Pirate squad that boasted an RPI just south of thirty.

The Bearcats were led in scoring by Dion Dixon who had 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win. Only two other Bearcats would reach double-figures in Cashmere Wright (13) and JaQuon Parker (12).

“This is my last chance and I just want to get there,” said Dion Dixon when asked about his team’s postseason chances. “I’m trying to give everything I have for this team on both sides of the ball. I just want to go and give my all.”

Bearcat big man Yancy Gates, who struggled to find a call inside all night, finished with just 5 points. But the senior did contribute with 9 big rebounds and solid work defensively.

Gates, who was called for a technical foul midway through the game, never seemed to regain his composure at any point. After the game Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin expressed his displeasure with the call.

“First of all that was our first technical foul of the entire season,” said Cronin. Player or coach. I think it really affected (Yancy) in a negative way because of what we’ve been through this year.”

“I don’t want to get into it,” he continued. “It’s all excuses. But if that play is a technical foul, you’d call 15 technical fouls a game.”

The Bearcats, who had struggled on the glass as of late, rebounded well as a team in the win. In particular, guard JaQuon Parker impressed with his ability to snag tough rebounds despite what he lacks in height.

“Playing with four guards somebody has to rebound,” said Dixon. “I think we’re all just making sure we focus on getting rebounds. I’m just thinking that I want the ball and I’m going to outhustle them for the ball.”

The Pirates (18-9, 7-8 Big East) got off to a slow against a stingy Bearcat defense that wouldn’t allow a single point until nearly five points into the first half and would keep Seton Hall’s two leading scorers on the mat.

In the second half, Seton Hall would get some much needed help from Jordan Theodor who, after being shut out in the first half, scored 15 in the second half and kept the game close down the stretch.

Still, the Pirates’ comeback proved to be too little, too late. Clutch foul shots down the stretch kept the Pirates at bay, and a Jordan Theodore air ball with just over 20 seconds remaining dashed all hopes of a Seton Hall miracle.

Next on the Bearcats’ schedule is a nationally televised Thursday night tilt against the 16th-ranked Louisville Cardinals. With a win, the Bearcats would put themselves in a position to lock up an NCAA Tournament berth against South Florida.

Still, the Bearcats aren’t in a position to take anything for granted.

“We still feel like this a must win,” said Dixon. “We had some tough losses early in the season and we’re still trying to go out and give it everything we have. We have a mindset that we need to win out.”