Moustapha Thiam's Quest for Another Standout Performance
Moustapha Thiam has been a force to reckon with when facing his former team this season. Averaging 19.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 17-for-28 from the field, Thiam seems to relish these matchups.
UCF's tallest player, John Bol, has seen more minutes recently, but Thiam is expected to exploit mismatches against players like Jamichael Stillwell and Jordan Burks. If there's one player to watch on Wednesday, it's Thiam, who thrives on the opportunity to shine against the Knights.
Jalen Celestine's Hot Streak and Cincinnati's Inside-Out Game
Jalen Celestine is on a tear, shooting a remarkable 62% from beyond the arc over the last nine games, bringing his season average to over 40%. His success is fueled by the inside presence of Moustapha Thiam and Baba Miller, who have been pivotal in Cincinnati's inside-out strategy.
Miller's knack for finding open shooters has been crucial, with players like Day Day Thomas and Celestine cashing in from deep. Celestine's consistency, including making four or more threes in three consecutive games, has been vital, especially in lifting Cincinnati's offense against Utah.
His perfect 3-for-3 performance against UCF in February set the tone for his current form. Expect the Bearcats to rely heavily on his shooting prowess moving forward.
Cincinnati's Defensive Prowess Against Guard-Led Teams
Cincinnati's defense has been a stronghold against guard-heavy offenses, consistently delivering results. Their defensive run began by containing Riley Kugel and Themus Fulks in early February, and continued with standout performances against players like AJ Dybantsa and Rob Wright from BYU, and Don McHenry and Terrence Brown from Utah.
Recently, they shut down Darryn Peterson and Melvin Council in a road win against Kansas. If Cincinnati can replicate their defensive efforts against Fulks and Kugel, and Thiam and Miller perform as they did against Utah, the Bearcats are poised for success.
However, playing back-to-back games could test their stamina in the closing minutes.
Bubble Watch: Cincinnati's Tournament Hopes
Cincinnati's tournament aspirations received a boost with losses from Virginia Tech and Stanford, teams ahead of them on the bubble. While the Bearcats likely need two more wins to strengthen their case for the tournament, an eight-out-of-10 run, including a win over UCF, might just be enough-provided there aren't too many bid stealers.
UCF currently sits as the first team of the last four in Joe Lunardi's bracketology, with Cincinnati right behind them as the last team in. The Bearcats' fate could hinge on their performance in these crucial upcoming games.