It wasn’t that way back that Cincinnati appeared headed to the NCAA Match.
However after three straight losses, 5 losses within the final seven video games and 9 within the final 14 video games, the Bearcats want a deep run on this week’s Huge 12 event in Kansas Metropolis, Mo., to reclaim consideration for an at-large berth.
That is the state of affairs dealing with the Thirteenth-seeded Bearcats (17-14) as they face No. 12 seed Oklahoma State (15-16) within the event opener Tuesday. And Cincinnati coach Wes Miller is not joyful about it.
“It is unacceptable,” Miller stated after the Bearcats misplaced to Kansas State Wednesday of their house finale. “The trouble’s unacceptable. The combat’s unacceptable. It is on the pinnacle coach. I am the chief of the operation. I’ve bought to do a greater job.”
Outcomes did not get any higher for the Bearcats of their season finale, coincidentally in opposition to Oklahoma State. However at the least it wasn’t as a result of a scarcity of effort.
Cincinnati trailed by 18 factors within the first half, however managed to trim the deficit to only one with 4:06 remaining earlier than the Cowboys completed the sport on a 12-2 run for a 78-67 victory.
This marks the second straight season the Bearcats open the Huge 12 event with a rematch of their remaining regular-season recreation.
The Cowboys took full benefit of getting seven seniors on their roster in opposition to Cincinnati. These seniors mixed for 70 of Oklahoma State’s 78 factors. After Cincinnati lower it to 66-65, the Cowboys answered with 12 straight factors that included 8-of-8 free throws. The Bearcats missed seven straight pictures and turned the ball over twice throughout the run.
“Clearly we’re excited to get a win for the seniors on senior day,” Cowboys head coach Steve Lutz stated afterward. “They’ve invested a ton into this program. I am proud that they’ve continued to combat all through the season.
“I do know that our workforce has gotten higher. We’re not the place we need to be as a program, however I do know these children have invested in Oklahoma State basketball.”
Abou Ousmane led the Cowboys with 24 factors and eight rebounds in opposition to Cincinnati and paces the workforce in each classes (12.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg). Jizzle James had 17 factors for the Bearcats and averages a team-high 12.9 factors per recreation.
The winner Tuesday advances to face No. 5 seed Iowa State within the subsequent spherical.
–Area Degree Media