Cincinnati has endured a tough start to the Big 12 season and the Bearcats will try to get their first conference win when they host the Colorado Buffaloes on Wednesday night.
Cincinnati (8-8, 0-3 Big 12) is coming off two close road losses – 62-60 at West Virginia and 73-72 at UCF, which was ranked No. 25 at the time, on a late bucket. The Bearcats have not lost confidence despite being winless in the Big 12.
“This group’s a good team. It’s been tough results, but this group is a really good team, we’re right there every night against really good teams,” Bearcats coach Wes Miller said. “We just have to keep pounding the rock; it’ll crack.”
Cincinnati is led by senior forward Baba Miller, who is averaging 12.7 points and 10.6 rebounds a game, both which top the team. Day Day Thomas averages 12.4 points a game and Moustapha Thiam (11.4) and Jizzle James (11.3) are also scoring in double figures.
Colorado (12-4, 2-1) is also coming off a tough loss to a ranked team. The Buffaloes fell behind No. 14 Texas Tech by 24 on Saturday before rallying but missed a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Head coach Tad Boyle was disappointed in his team giving up 16 offensive rebounds to the Red Raiders, which has been an issue all season.
“This year’s Achilles heel is our inability to finish possessions,” Boyle said. “It’s not about winning and losing to me. I told myself that I’m not going to let my emotional state be dictated by wins and losses. Our problem is too many offensive rebounds for the opponent, and it’s happened all year.”
This will be Colorado’s first visit to the Bearcats in more than 43 years and a chance to win a second road game in the Big 12 after not getting one last season. The Buffaloes are led by freshmen Isaiah Johnson (15.9) and sophomore Sebastian Rancik (13.9) – and have two other players averaging in double figures in Barrington Hargress (13.6) and Bangot Dak (11.4).
–Field Level Media
