NICEVILLE, Fla. -- Jarron Cumberland scored 25 points to lead Cincinnati to the Emerald Coast Classic championship by defeating Mississippi 71-57 on Saturday.
It was a reversal of fortune for the Bearcats, who had lost the 2014 title game to the Rebels in the tournament's first year.
Cincinnati (5-1) squandered a 13-point first half lead but roared back in the second half.
Cumberland, who was named the tournament's outstanding player, made 13-of-14 free throws -- setting tournament records for foul shots made and attempted. He hit only 5 of 17 from the field.
Devontae Shuler led Mississippi (4-2) with a career-high 24 points and Breein Tyree added 14.