Host Cincinnati scored 18 of the game’s first 20 points and routed Alabama State 65-40 in the Bearcats' season opener.

The No. 22-ranked Bearcats led 18-2 at the 14:01 mark and never looked back. Yancy Gates scored six points during the run, and Sean Kilpatrick’s three-point play capped the surge.

The Bearcats, who led the Big East in points allowed per game last season (59.6), led 35-14 at halftime. Gates led four Cincinnati players in double-figures with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Kenderek Washington led the Hornets (0-2) with 20 points.

The Bearcats host Jacksonville State on Tuesday, the second of six consecutive home games to start the season. The Bearcats don’t play on the road until Dec. 2 at Georgia. Alabama State hosts Northwestern State Thursday.