It was different, but college basketball was back.
In front of just family and members of the spirit squads, the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team rallied from a disjointed start to open the program's 120th season with a 67-55 win over Lipscomb Wednesday night at Fifth Third Arena.
It marked the latest season opener for the Bearcats since the 1978-79 campaign (an 84-72 loss at Long Beach State on Dec. 2, 1978).
The benches were on the opposite sideline and the chairs were spaced out across two rows for safe distancing. Coaches wore masks, and the speakers were filled with sounds of a band and a large crowd that weren't actually there.