Lance Stephenson celebrated being selected BIG EAST Rookie of the Year by making the deciding free throw with 1.8 seconds left to play, leading Cincinnati to a 69-68 opening roun victory over Rutgers in the BIG EAST Tournament Tuesday night.


Stephenson had 13 points, 10 in a 4-minute span of the second half with nine rebounds and five assists as the Bearcats earn their first ever victory in the BIG EAST Tournament and a second round matchup against Louisville Wednesday.


Cincinnati ruled the glass, outrebounding Rutgers 49-31 with 23 offensive rebounds. Ibrahima Thomas had 13 rebounds in the victory.


The Bearcats face the Cardinals Wednesday night with the action at 8 30pm on 700 WLW.