Attention, number crunchers: Kyle Washington scored 25 points in the University of Cincinnati's Red-Black open basketball scrimmage Saturday afternoon. Cane Broome and Keith Williams each had 20.

Good stuff, but UC coach Mick Cronin looked beyond all that after the 2017-18 Bearcats made their first public appearance at their temporary home, Northern Kentucky University's BB&T Arena. A crowd estimated at 2,000-plus watched.

A quick analysis:

Inside depth will be key

UC is ranked No. 13 nationally in the preseason USA Today Coaches poll, but Cronin knows the Bearcats will not make any headway unless his regulars have help. While senior forward Washington surprised no one with his 25 points and junior point guard/transfer Broome continued to fulfill his billing with his 20, the 20 by freshman shooting guard Williams were among things that caught Cronin's eye.

Not to mention,16 points from sophomore forward Tre Scott and a 14-point, 11-rebound, four-block performance by sophomore center Nysier Brooks.

"A big key for us, if you ask me, has got to be Tre and Nysier off the bench, where we don't have a drop-off," Cronin said.

Washington and fellow senior forward Gary Clark (11 points, seven rebounds Saturday) are the inside anchors, but UC otherwise did not get much from its big men last season. That must change if UC wants a deep NCAA Tournament run, because of the Bearcats' ample firepower at the guard spots.

Scott and Brooks averaged a combined 5.5 points per game last season, in limited minutes.

"We can play at a pace we want to play at with Kyle and Gary, when they're out of the game," Cronin said. "Last year, (Scott and Brooks) were freshmen. I think both of those guys are going to be huge factors for us."

Well-stocked at guard

The backcourt includes Broome and fellow junior left-hander Justin Jenifer, who are dueling for the point guard role. Broome is the presumed leader, with his quickness and scoring ability. Broome and Jenifer each played one half for the Red and Black teams Saturday, with Broome also totaling 10 assists. Jenifer totaled 11 points and five assists.

Cincinnati Bearcats basketball: High-scoring transfer Broome should make big impact

"I think Justin and Cane both played really well, and they're both going to help us," Cronin said.

Junior wing Jacob Evans (11 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) and sophomore shooting guard Jarron Cumberland (14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists) already have established that they can play.

The arrival of Williams adds another shot of offense, with the Brooklyn, New York, product unafraid to launch it. Williams was 9-for-21 from the floor Saturday.

"The guard position overall is going to be a strength for us this year," Cronin said. "Williams is going to help us a lot."

Washington in top form

The 6-foot-9, left-handed Washington and his signature shot were on full display. The shot is a spinning, half-hook sort of thing that defies conventional definition, an offering that Washington usually takes from inside or near the lane.

"Coach is going to get on me for a whole bunch of defensive stuff, and that's what I have to keep on working on," Washington said. "The points are good and all, but I have to keep focusing on defense. I've got to rebound a little bit better. I think we had a positive day overall, for both teams."

Broome ball

Broome opened the scoring with a 3-point goal, setting the tone for a fast-paced affair. Broome followed shortly with a driving, dipsy-doo swoop layup in which he crossed from the left to the right side of the lane. The fans oohed and aahed.

Broome was the only presumed regular to start for the Black, with the Red heavily stacked with projected starters Evans, Washington, Clark and Cumberland. Broome and Jenifer, as noted, played one half for each team.

"It was just the maturity of the Red team, the veteran guys being able to make the right plays," Broome said. "We were just trying to work on staying together as a team. We knew the Black team eventually was going to have some adversity."

Familiar face with press corps

Cronin opted to observe the scrimmage from press row, with assistants Larry Davis (Black team) and Darren Savino (Red) running the game.

"It's a lot less stressful over there," Cronin said, smiling.

Red and Black hits the road

NKU still had its black-and-gold colors on the arena floor, although UC will bring its own red-and-black motif for most home games this season. The Bearcats are playing home games at NKU while Fifth Third Arena underdoes an $87 million renovation.

UC played things up as much as possible Saturday, including a full complement of Bearcats cheerleaders. Former Bearcats player Terry Nelson, who now works in the school's athletic department and also does UC radio and TV analysis, entertained the crowd as public address announcer.

Afterward, Cronin took a courtside microphone and thanked UC fans for making their first trek across the river to Highland Heights, Kentucky. Cronin also said, to cheers:

"We'll be back next year, at what will be the best on-campus arena in the country."

-

RED (91) - Clark 4-9 1-2 11, Washington 11-17 1-4 25, Evans 5-16 0-0 11, Jenifer 3-5 0-0 8, Cumberland 7-12 0-0 14, Broome 4-7 3-4 12, Nsoseme 5-10 0-0 10. Totals: 39-76 5-10 91.

BLACK (70) - Moore 2-10 2-2 7, Scott 7-12 2-2 16, Brooks 7-14 0-0 14, Williams 9-21 0-0 20, Broome 3-7 0-0 8, Jenifer 1-3 1-3 3, Diarra 1-5 0-0 2. Totals: 30-72 5-7 70.

Halftime: Red 44, Black 30.

3-pointers: Red 8-17 (Clark 2-3, Washington 2-2, Evans 1-6, Jenifer 2-3, Cumberland 0-2, Broome 1-1), Black 5-17 (Moore 1-5, Scott 0-1, Williams 2-6, Broome 2-3). Rebounds: Red 47 (Evans 10, Nsoseme 10), Black 34 (Brooks 11). Assists: Red 29 (Cumberland 7, Broome 7), Black 13 (Jenifer 4). Blocks: Red 7 (Clark 3, Washington 3), Black 6 (Brooks 4). Steals: Black 5, Red 4. Turnovers: Black 12, Red 10. Attendance: 2,000+ (est.).

NOTE: Point guards Broome and Jenifer played one half for each team. Broome scored 20 total points, Jenifer 11.

Get the latest UC sports news. Download the Bearcats app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.