Collins and Tejada each score 13, Cincinnati defeats American 79-53

CINCINNATI -- — MJ Collins Jr. and Tyler Tejada each scored 13 points to lead Cincinnati past American 79-53 on Monday night in a season opener for both teams.

The Bearcats, who brought back just one player from the 2025-26 season, have won seven straight season openers and eight straight home openers.

First-year coach Jerrod Calhoun won in his debut with his alma mater, and is two career wins shy of 300. He joined Cincinnati after two years at Utah State.

Tejada was 5-for-10 shooting from the field and 3 for 5 from beyond the arc, and Collins shot 4 for 8. Tylen Riley dished out five assists, and David Iweze paced the Bearcats defensively with seven rebounds, four steals, and two blocks off the bench.

Cincinnati held a 35-33 lead at the half, but outscored American by 24 points in the second half to cruise to the victory.

For the Eagles, Madden Collins had 20 points on 5-of-13 shooting (2 for 4 from 3-point range) and made eight of his 10 free-throw attempts. Julen Iturbe led with seven rebounds to go with 10 points.

American was unanimously voted first in the Patriot League preseason poll and returned four starters and every non-graduated scholarship player from last season.

Cincinnati and American had met just once previously, a 72-69 Bearcat win on Nov. 23, 1991.

Up next

American: visits Clemson on Friday.

Cincinnati: hosts Green Bay on Thursday.

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