COL BKB: Cincinnati 69, Central Florida 51

CINCINNATI, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Sean Kilpatrick helped Cincinnati warm up in the second half Thursday and the No. 16 Bearcats pulled away from Central Florida 69-51.

Cincinnati held only a three-point lead at the break, but dominated the second period thanks to 19 points from Kilpatrick and 12 from Justin Jackson.

The Bearcats advanced to 18-2 for the season and are 7-0 in the American Athletic Conference. They have a one-game lead over Louisville and will meet the Cardinals next Thursday.

Central Florida (9-8, 1-5 AAC) was paced by 12 points from Calvin Newell.