Bearcats’ Depth, Jizzle James’ Momentum, and Key Storylines to Watch in Big 12 Play
As Cincinnati continues to navigate the grind of Big 12 play, the Bearcats are finding that success isn’t just about what the starters bring - it’s about how deep they can go when the game gets tight. Against Iowa State, that depth showed up in a big way, and it starts with the productive minutes coming from Tyler McKinley and Keyshuan Tillery.
Bench Boost: McKinley and Tillery Hold the Line
McKinley and Tillery didn’t light up the box score, but they didn’t need to. What they did do was provide stability and energy off the bench in a game where every possession mattered. For Cincinnati to keep pulling off wins in this conference, it’s going to need both players to consistently give 10-15 solid minutes - not just to spell the starters, but to maintain the rhythm and intensity on both ends of the floor.
That means defending without fouling, making the right reads, and staying aggressive without forcing the issue. Their performance against Iowa State was a great example of what that looks like. The Bearcats didn’t see a significant drop-off when the bench checked in - and that’s exactly the kind of depth that can swing close games in the Big 12.
Jizzle James: Building Confidence, One Game at a Time
Jizzle James has shown flashes this season, but consistency has been the missing piece. He hadn’t scored in double figures in back-to-back games since late December, and he’s yet to string together consecutive outings with more than three made field goals. But against Iowa State, he delivered when it mattered - and that’s the kind of performance that can turn a corner for a young guard.
James doesn’t need to dominate the scoring column, but he does need to be efficient and composed. That means limiting turnovers, taking smart shots, and being ready to make plays in crunch time. Against the Cyclones, he did just that - hitting a pair of floaters and a mid-range jumper late in the game to help Cincinnati hold off a late surge from Milan Momcilovic and company.
If James can stack another strong performance against Arizona, it could be a major confidence boost heading into the heart of the Big 12 schedule. And for a Cincinnati team that needs every edge it can get, his growth could be a game-changer.
Koa Peat: Time to Bounce Back
Koa Peat burst onto the scene early this season as one of the most dynamic freshmen in the country. Athletic, explosive, and polished beyond his years, Peat has been a consistent scoring option for the Wildcats - averaging 16 points per game in Big 12 play. But his recent outing against UCF was a rare off night.
Limited by foul trouble, Peat managed just four minutes in the first half and finished with only four shot attempts in 20 minutes of action. It was just the third time all season he’s been held to single digits, a testament to how reliable he’s been overall.
For Peat, the key is bouncing back quickly - and there’s every reason to believe he will. His 30-point season opener against Florida showed what he’s capable of when he’s locked in. The Wildcats will need that version of Peat as they push through the rest of conference play.
Kerr Kriisa Watch: Eyes on the Injury Report
Kerr Kriisa has been sidelined, but there’s a chance that could change soon. Before the Colorado game, he indicated he was aiming to return this week against Arizona. While nothing is confirmed, his status on the Tuesday night availability report will be worth watching closely.
If Kriisa is able to suit up, it adds a whole new dimension to the Bearcats’ backcourt. His ability to space the floor, facilitate, and bring veteran poise could ease the load on players like Tillery and Jalen Celestine - not to mention the added intrigue of Kriisa potentially facing his former team.
Whether he’s cleared or not, Cincinnati’s guard rotation will be a key storyline moving forward. But if he does return, it gives the Bearcats another weapon as they look to keep climbing in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball.
The Big 12 is unforgiving - every night is a battle, and every rotation piece matters. For Cincinnati, the formula is becoming clearer: get quality minutes from the bench, keep Jizzle James trending upward, lean on Peat’s star power, and hope Kriisa can return to bolster the backcourt. If they can check those boxes, this team has the tools to make some noise.