Leonard Stokes had his third 30-point game. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        PITTSBURGH — UC coach Bob Huggins brought Leonard Stokes to the sideline near the end of Sunday's game and gave him a big hug.

        “He just told me that he loved me and that I played a great game,” Stokes said. Despite the Bearcats' loss, it was a career day for Stokes, who is destined to take over as UC's leader next season as a fourth-year senior.

        The 6-foot-6 junior scored a career-best 39 points on 12-of-27 shooting. He grabbed 10 rebounds, tying a career-high. He was 5-of-12 from 3-point range; he had never hit more than three 3s in a game.

        Stokes also made 10 of 12 free throws and had two assists and a steal.

        “I just wasn't ready to go home — plain and simple,” Stokes said. “They double-teamed (Steve Logan) and somebody else had to make shots. He did a great job, as he always does, of finding the open guys. I was open a lot and he got me the ball where I can score.”

        Stokes had come in 1-of-7 from 3-point range over his last seven games. He made four in the first half Sunday.

        He was aggressive all afternoon in taking the ball to the basket.

        It was Stokes' third 30-point game of the season. He had 36 against DePaul and 30 at Charlotte.

        “He grew up today,” Logan said. “Lenny showed me a lot of heart. He's got a great future. He's a great kid. I love being around this guy. He deserves everything today. He stepped up big.”

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