Cincinnati Looks to Reset After Tough Loss: What to Watch vs. Tarleton State
After a loss that stung more than most, Cincinnati basketball heads into its matchup with Tarleton State needing more than just a win - it needs a response. Monday night’s defeat wasn’t just another tally in the loss column; it was the kind of performance that demands a gut check. And if head coach Wes Miller’s group is going to live up to the expectations surrounding this roster, it starts with effort, intensity, and accountability - from the top of the rotation to the last man on the bench.
Harris and Thomas Set the Standard
In the loss to Eastern Michigan, two Bearcats stood out for the right reasons: Sencire Harris and Day Day Thomas. Their energy, hustle, and willingness to compete were clear.
But two players can’t carry the weight of a program with postseason aspirations. If Cincinnati wants to be a team that contends deep into March, it needs that kind of fire from everyone wearing black and red.
This next game isn’t just about bouncing back - it’s about setting a tone. Expect a team that’s diving for loose balls, playing through contact, and trying to reestablish the identity Wes Miller has been working to build. The Bearcats don’t just need to win - they need to show who they are.
Will Baba Miller Return?
One of the big question marks heading into the Tarleton State game is the status of Baba Miller. The Florida State transfer has been sidelined, and the Bearcats could use his length, versatility, and defensive presence. If he’s cleared to go, even a limited return could help shake off the rust before Friday’s crosstown showdown at Xavier.
If Miller doesn’t suit up against Tarleton, he’ll enter the rivalry game having not played in two weeks. That’s not an ideal scenario, especially given how crucial his two-way impact could be in a high-stakes matchup. There’s urgency here - not just to get him back on the floor, but to reintegrate him into the rhythm of the team.
Thiam and Abaev Need a Reset
Moustapha Thiam and Shon Abaev - two-thirds of Cincinnati’s preseason “big three” - had a night to forget against Eastern Michigan. The duo combined for just 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting and added nine rebounds between them. Abaev was more active on the glass with seven boards, but Thiam’s two rebounds in particular highlight a need for more consistent production.
Thiam, especially, is a player Cincinnati is counting on to anchor the interior. His size and skill set give him the tools to be a game-changer, but the Bearcats need him to bring it every night. That consistency - on both ends - is what separates good teams from great ones.
Time for a Lineup Shake-Up?
Freshman Tyler McKinley got the start against Eastern Michigan, but the results were rough: two points, two rebounds, and five fouls before fouling out. It was a tough welcome to the starting five, and it raises the question of whether Wes Miller might consider tweaking the rotation.
Kerr Kriisa, the veteran point guard transfer, is also in the middle of a cold stretch. Over his last four games, he’s scored just 22 points on 7-for-25 shooting, including a 6-for-23 clip from three.
On the season, he’s hitting just under 30% from deep. That’s not the level of efficiency Cincinnati needs from its floor general.
It’s unlikely Kriisa loses his starting role - he brings experience and leadership - but if Miller is looking to shake things up, now might be the moment. A backcourt of Day Day Thomas at point and Sencire Harris at the two could give the Bearcats a more defensive-minded, high-energy look to start games.
The Dior Johnson Problem
Tarleton State may not be a household name, but they’ve got a player who’s quickly becoming one. Dior Johnson, a former UCF transfer who spent last season at Clarendon College, has erupted this year. He’s averaging 23.6 points per game and already has a 42-point outing under his belt - that one came against Baylor, no less.
Johnson is shooting a blistering 56% from the field, an absurd 64% from three, and 85% from the line. He’s scored 30+ three times already this season. Simply put, he’s been a problem for everyone he’s faced - and he’s going to be a major test for Cincinnati’s backcourt.
That means Day Day Thomas and Sencire Harris - the two Bearcats who brought the most defensive edge in the last game - will be key. Johnson’s ability to create off the dribble, knock down shots from anywhere, and get to the line makes him one of the most dangerous scorers Cincinnati will face outside of conference play.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about avoiding a losing streak. It’s about recalibrating expectations and reestablishing identity.
The Bearcats have the talent. What they need now is cohesion, consistency, and a collective edge.
Tarleton State may not be a marquee opponent, but this game is a measuring stick - not for how high Cincinnati can go, but for how hard it’s willing to work to get there.
And with Xavier waiting at the end of the week, there’s no time like now to get right.