Bearcats Eye Fifth Straight Victory Against Texas Tech
CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Bearcats are on a roll, riding a four-game winning streak as they gear up to face No. 16 Texas Tech on Tuesday night in Lubbock. Catch the action on ESPN2 or tune in via 700 WLW and the TuneIn app.
Celebrating a Legacy
This season marks the 125th anniversary of Cincinnati men's basketball, a program steeped in history and success. The Bearcats are honoring their storied past with a year-long celebration, highlighting their 44 All-Americans, 41 conference titles, and six Final Four appearances. With back-to-back national championships in their trophy case, Cincinnati's legacy is undeniable.
Defensive Prowess
Cincinnati's defense is a force to be reckoned with. Allowing just 67.0 points per game, they rank 10th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. The Bearcats are also making waves in non-steal turnover percentage, opponent offensive rebound percentage, and opponent 2-point distance, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses effectively.
Offensive Strategy
The Bearcats are forcing opponents to slow down, with adversaries taking an average of 17.9 seconds per possession. Offensively, Cincinnati ranks third in the Big 12 for 3-point attempts per game and holds solid positions in scoring defense, assists, and defensive rebounds.
Spotlight on Baba Miller
Despite missing two games due to injury, senior forward Baba Miller is making his mark. He's tied for 25th nationally in double-doubles and leads the Big 12 in defensive rebounds per game. Averaging 13.9 points, 10.2 boards, and 3.4 assists, Miller is one of only three players this season to maintain such a stat line, joining the ranks of Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Butler’s Michael Ajayi.
Head-to-Head History
The Bearcats have a favorable history against Texas Tech, winning two of their last three encounters. Their previous visit to Lubbock resulted in a narrow 75-72 victory.
However, the Red Raiders claimed an 81-71 win in their last meeting, thanks to a barrage of threes and strong bench performance. Jizzle James was a standout for Cincinnati in that game, contributing 17 points.
Texas Tech's Challenge
Under the guidance of third-year head coach Grant McCasland, Texas Tech is having a strong season with a 20-7 record. Despite losing star player JT Toppin to injury, the Red Raiders remain formidable. Freshman guard Christian Anderson is stepping up with impressive stats, while senior guard Donovan Atwell and forward LeJuan Watts provide additional scoring threats.
As Cincinnati takes on Texas Tech, fans can expect a thrilling matchup that will test the Bearcats' resilience and strategic depth.