Title: Exciting Matchup Alert: Motagua vs Cincinnati in the Concacaf Champions Cup!
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Get ready for an epic showdown as Motagua takes on Cincinnati in the highly anticipated Concacaf Champions Cup! Both teams are gearing up for a fierce battle on the pitch, and you won’t want to miss a single second of the action.
Will Motagua’s formidable defense be able to withstand Cincinnati’s relentless offense? Or will Cincinnati’s strategic plays prove too much for Motagua to handle? It’s anyone’s game, and the stakes are high as these two powerhouses face off.
Make sure to tune in and cheer on your favorite team as they fight for victory in this thrilling matchup. Don’t miss out on the excitement – mark your calendars and be sure to catch all the action as Motagua and Cincinnati go head to head in the Concacaf Champions Cup!
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We’ve got another exciting Big 12 matchup on the college basketball schedule as the West Virginia Mountaineers and Cincinnati Bearcats are set to tip at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday at Fifth Third Arena. Cincinnati is 12-8 overall and 8-3 at home, while West Virginia is 13-7 overall and 2-3 on the road. Cincinnati is favored by 5.5 points in the latest Cincinnati vs. West Virginia odds, and the over/under is 127 points.
Before entering any Cincinnati vs. West Virginia picks, you’ll want to see the college basketball predictions from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The model simulates every Division 1 college basketball game 10,000 times. It enters Week 13 of the 2024-25 season on a 202-142 betting roll (+2468) on all top-rated college basketball picks dating back to 2023. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
The model has simulated Cincinnati vs. West Virginia 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is leaning Over, and it’s also generated a point-spread pick that hits in 60% of simulations.
Looking for the best bets for the Cincinnati vs. West Virginia college basketball match-up on February 2, 2025? Our proven model has analyzed the odds and come up with some top picks for you to consider.
Cincinnati vs. West Virginia Odds:
– Cincinnati: +5.5
– West Virginia: -5.5
– Over/Under: 150.5
Our model is pointing towards some exciting bets for this game, including:
1. West Virginia -5.5: Our model predicts that West Virginia will cover the spread in this match-up. With a strong team and home-court advantage, they are favored to come out on top.
2. Over 150.5: The total points scored in this game is expected to exceed 150.5, making the over a solid bet to consider.
So, if you’re looking to place some bets on the Cincinnati vs. West Virginia game, our model suggests going with West Virginia -5.5 and taking the over 150.5. Good luck and happy betting!
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Cincinnati vs. West Virginia odds, 2025 college basketball picks, February 2 best bets, proven model, NCAA basketball, sports betting, betting tips, expert predictions, game analysis, matchup preview, betting strategies, college basketball odds
WVU Hoops is back in action tomorrow, as the Mountaineers welcome the Cincinnati Bearcats (12-8) to the Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m EST. Let’s take a quick look at everything you need to know about the Bearcats ahead of the next contest in the tough Big 12 for West Virginia.
COACHING AND THIS YEAR
Cincinnati is led by fourth year head coach Wes Miller, who holds an overall record of 75-51 (.595) with the Bearcats since taking over the program back in 2021. He’s won more than 20 games in two of his three completed seasons, but has yet to make the NCAA Tournament, although he has guided Cincy to back-to-back NIT quarterfinal appearances. Prior to his time with the Bearcats, Miller spent 10 years with UNC Greensboro, where he won 185 games and made the Big Dance twice.
This was supposed to be a huge season for Cincinnati, with most of the production returning from last year’s 22-win team, as well as a big transfer portal addition in Dillon Mitchell, but Wes Miller’s club has fallen short of expectations so far. The team currently sits at just 12-8 overall, including a 2-7 mark in conference play. The highlights of the year include two big out-of-conference wins over intrastate rivals Dayton and Xavier, but the season has fallen apart since the beginning of league play. This home contest against West Virginia provides the Bearcats with a chance to get their postseason hopes back on track. Fans won’t be happy with another NIT appearance in Miller’s fourth year.
Cincinnati currently sits at No. 58 in KenPom’s rankings. WVU is 10 spots ahead at 48th.
OFFENSE
The primary problems for Cincy originate from the team’s relatively poor offense. The Bearcats play at an incredibly slow pace, not dissimilar to the Mountaineers, so don’t expect a lot of points in this one. Cincinnati is also a terrible shooting team, ranking 277th in the country in 3-point efficiency (31.7 percent) and No. 350 free throw shooting (64.5 percent). The problem with this roster is the overall lack of legitimately good perimeter shooters (sans leading scorer Simas Lukosius) or general scoring talent. The aforementioned Lukosius leads the way with 12.2 points per game, but there are four Bearcats that average between 10.6 and 12.2 points per contest, so the workload is spread out for this team.
What stands out from Miller’s half court sets this year is the team’s heavy emphasis on ball screens. Starting point guard Jizzle James and wings Simas Lukosius and Daniel Skillings, who are the top three scorers on the team, operate heavily in the pick and roll with rim-running big Aziz Bandaogo. The 7-footer center is a high-efficiency, low-volume rim finisher who works in tandem with the wings, but he won’t be creating his own offense very often. When you pair that with a bunch of wings who struggle shooting the ball from deep, you begin to realize why this team struggles on offense so much. It doesn’t help that this is also a two-big system with stretch-4 Dillon Mitchell, who isn’t a great shooter or shot creator in his own right either. It’s an incredibly clunky lineup without a whole lot of players who can space the floor. Simas Lukosius is the biggest threat. He’s a 6-foot-8 and versatile secondary ball handler who’s shooting over 37 percent from 3-point range this year and is clearly the most dangerous scorer on this team.
As far as the most overall impact… that title may go to Dillon Mitchell, who’s a good rebounder and defender who averages double figures as well. He’s a freak athlete who can jump out of the gym and put you on a poster at any given minute, so watch out for that. He’s a former five star, top-10 overall prospect who began his career at Texas.
Cincinnati’s offense currently ranks 148th nationally with an adjusted efficiency of 108.2
DEFENSE
The strength of this team, and the reason why they’re typically competitive, lies in its defense. With an overall adjusted efficiency of 94.1 (No. 14 in the country), this is a fierce unit that relies on its stout interior presence that holds opponents to just 50.2 percent shooting at the rim, which ranks in the 95th percentile nationally. The Bearcats mostly have Aziz Bandaogo to thank for that, who is one of the better shot blockers in the conference.
His front court partner, Dillon Mitchell, is also an excellent (and versatile) defender who is great at defending in the block as well as the perimeter. They may create some clunkiness on offense, but the tandem is the foundation of this great defense.
As far as perimeter defense, Dan Skillings and Day Day Thomas, who comes off the bench, are solid havoc creators to pair with the elite play of Mitchell. Expect almost exclusively man-to-man defense from Wes Miller’s team. They’ll throw in press from time-to-time but it’s not the strength of the group.
PREDICTION
It would be unwise to expect a lot of scoring in this game. Both teams possess clunky and ineffective offenses and good-to-great defenses. WVU is in a major slump right now, and Cincinnati isn’t a great team to play to get out of that due to how strong its defense is. It feels like only a matter of time before the Mountaineers can pull it together, but I won’t predict it in this game. A low-scoring loss is in the cards in Cincinnati.
WVU: 56 Cincinnati: 59
As the next game approaches, it’s time to take a closer look at our upcoming opponent – the Cincinnati team. Here’s a preview of what we can expect when we face off against them:
1. Offense: Cincinnati has a strong offense led by their quarterback, who has been putting up impressive numbers this season. They have a balanced attack with a mix of passing and rushing, making them a versatile and dangerous opponent to face.
2. Defense: On the defensive side, Cincinnati has a solid unit that has been able to create turnovers and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They have a strong secondary that can make plays on the ball and disrupt the passing game.
3. Special Teams: Cincinnati’s special teams have also been a factor in their success this season. They have a reliable kicker and punter, as well as returners who can make big plays in the kicking game.
Overall, Cincinnati is a well-rounded team that will pose a challenge for us. However, with proper preparation and execution, we can come out on top. Be sure to tune in to see how we fare against this tough opponent in the upcoming game.
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CUSTOMER DEMAND. WE HAVE AN UPDATE ON A STORY THAT WE FIRST BROUGHT YOU EARLIER THIS MONTH. AFTER THOSE 30 LOCAL TEACHERS HERE IN THE AREA TEAMED UP TO BUY A WINNING LOTTERY TICKET. YES. SO THEY BOUGHT THEIR TICKET FROM THE KROGER IN HEBRON, KENTUCKY, AND CASHED IT IN FOR A MILLION BUCKS. NOW THE WAY THE KENTUCKY LOTTERY WORKS IS THE STORE THAT SELLS THAT WINNING TICKET, THEN GETS A MATCHED 1% OF THE WINNINGS. SO LAST WEEK, THE GROUP OF 30 EDUCATORS FOUND OUT THAT THEY WERE WALKING AWAY WITH $24,000 APIECE. TODAY, THEY GOT ANOTHER SURPRISE KROGER ANNOUNCING THAT THEY ARE GIVING THE STORE’S SHARE OF THEIR EARNINGS TO THE SCHOOL TO. WE LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THAT THIS CHECK SAYS JONES MIDDLE SCHOOL. BECAUSE WE WE LOVE THE ATTENTION THAT IT HAS BROUGHT TO OUR SCHOOL AND OUR STUDENTS WHO ARE SO DESERVING AND SO LOVED. WELL, WE LOVE THIS STORY BECAUSE GET THIS, THIS, THIS GROUP OF CURRENT AND RETIRED EDUCATORS FROM RA MIDDLE SCHOOL, THEY HAVE BEEN PITCHING IN FOR TICKETS EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS FO
Cincinnati lottery player scratches off $10 million prize
Updated: 10:29 AM EST Jan 29, 2025
A Cincinnati lottery player could not have asked for a better start to their 2025 after winning the $10 million grand prize from a scratch-off game!According to the Ohio Lottery, the winning ticket was purchased at Dent Shell, located at 6008 Harrison Ave. Lottery officials say the winner, who was not identified, won $10 million and chose the cash option of $5 million.After state and federal taxes, totaling 28 percent, the winner will take home approximately $3.6 million.A $30 scratch-off game, Extreme Millions offers a top prize of $400,000 a year for 25 years.As of Jan. 28, there is one top prize remaining in the game.
CINCINNATI —
A Cincinnati lottery player could not have asked for a better start to their 2025 after winning the $10 million grand prize from a scratch-off game!
According to the Ohio Lottery, the winning ticket was purchased at Dent Shell, located at 6008 Harrison Ave.
Lottery officials say the winner, who was not identified, won $10 million and chose the cash option of $5 million.
After state and federal taxes, totaling 28 percent, the winner will take home approximately $3.6 million.
A $30 scratch-off game, Extreme Millions offers a top prize of $400,000 a year for 25 years.
As of Jan. 28, there is one top prize remaining in the game.
Cincinnati lottery player hits the jackpot with $10 million scratch-off win!
One lucky Cincinnati resident is celebrating after scratching off a $10 million prize on a lottery ticket. The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased the winning ticket at a local convenience store and couldn’t believe their luck when they revealed the massive prize.
The winner has already made plans to pay off debts, take a dream vacation, and set aside money for their future. They are grateful for this life-changing windfall and are excited to see what the future holds.
Congratulations to the lucky winner on their incredible win! Who knows, maybe the next big winner could be you!
Utah coach Craig Smith said that last week, it “just felt like we were off.”
That’s when the Runnin’ Utes were handed two humbling blowout losses by No. 6 Houston and Baylor, where Utah simply didn’t look dialed in for the majority of either game and didn’t match the physicality and aggressiveness of their opponents.
Yes, the Utes weren’t favored in either game, but the energy level wasn’t there.
On Tuesday night, when Cincinnati came into the Huntsman Center, the Utes faced another scenario where they could have easily folded.
The Bearcats, who trailed by eight early in the second half, turned the game around with a energy sucking 14-0 run where Cincinnati forced Utah into six turnovers and five straight field goal misses over a six and a half-minute stretch.
That run was capped by an energy play, where the Bearcats crashed the boards for an offensive rebound, and it ended with a kick out to Josh Reed, who banked in a 3-pointer to make it 50-44 with 11:16 to play.
It was the kind of moment that can easily deflate a team, and last week against Baylor, a 22-3 Bears run had done just that to the Utes. Even though Baylor’s run happened during the first half, Utah never seemed to recover and couldn’t pull any closer than six points after that.
This time, Utah fought back.
Over the next five and a half minutes, the Utes answered with an 18-4 run of their own to go up 62-54 with five minutes to play.
That run not only helped the Utes move back in front, it proved to be a pivotal momentum change in Utah’s eventual 69-66 victory.
“I didn’t know those runs were that drastic. I mean, I knew there was two big runs, but didn’t know it was that much,” Smith said. “I’m really proud because it, it didn’t look good there for a stretch. Obviously, I think the key was just how well we defended.”
During that span, Utah came away with eight defensive stops. That included four missed shots, a Cincinnati turnover and the Bearcats missing the front end of a 1 and 1 free-throw opportunity on three straight possessions.
“I was really proud of how we responded from that moment on, like not hanging your head and having the woe is me mentality and, then our guys just started playing with vigor and aggression… but the key was stops,” Smith said.
Utah’s offense only had three empty possessions during that run, as the Utes scored on eight possessions and got points from four different players in that 18-4 stretch. Keanu Dawes had seven of those points.
Oddly enough, that run illustrated a characteristic of the Utes’ win that has been a struggle for them this season: free-throw shooting.
Utah was a perfect 7 of 7 from the free-throw line during their 18-4 run, while Cincinnati missed the front end of those aforementioned three straight 1 and 1 opportunities.
In a game where Utah’s turnover struggles (Cincinnati converted 19 Utah turnovers into 21 points) were counterbalanced by dominating the boards (the Utes had a 41-23 rebounding edge), a determining factor was free-throw shooting.
Utah made 12 of 17, including 12 of 15 in the second half, while the Bearcats were 14 of 22, even though that was 13 of 17 in the second half.
“We had our chances in the second half and we couldn’t overcome it, so congrats to Utah,” Cincinnati coach Wes Miller said. “We’ve got a group that’s frustrated and cares a great deal, and it’s been a tough nine games. We had a chance to get over the hump tonight, so it hurts that we didn’t do it.”
Gabe Madsen, who led the Utes with 18 points on the night, scored Utah’s final nine points. Seven of those points came from the free-throw line, and he made 3 of 4 free throws in the final minute to wrap up the victory.
“Something Coach Smith said before the game was everything we want is on the other side of hard. So when we were sitting there and, you know, going through some of the turnovers and we had that final media timeout, that was something we said, everything we want is on the other side of hard,” Madsen said. “And so, just figuring out another way to win. It’s an ugly game sometimes, and we’ll figure all that stuff out. Obviously, that’s how it went tonight and we found a way and feels good.”
The victory moved Utah to 4-5 in Big 12 play, with a chance to be at .500 at the midway point of the conference schedule when the Utes (12-8 overall) visit Oklahoma State on Saturday (1 p.m. MST, ESPN+).
“You’ve just got to keep going in this league. You’ve just got to have an elite competitive spirit, and you’ve got to have a short memory and just keep going. And we made just enough plays down the stretch,” Smith said.
Utah basketball showed resolve in rallying past Cincinnati
In a thrilling matchup, the Utah basketball team showcased their resilience and determination as they rallied past Cincinnati to secure a hard-fought victory. Despite facing a tough opponent and falling behind early in the game, the Utes refused to back down and fought their way back into the contest.
Led by their strong defense and clutch shooting, Utah was able to chip away at Cincinnati’s lead and eventually take control of the game. The team’s ability to stay composed under pressure and execute in critical moments was a testament to their mental toughness and determination.
The win was a statement victory for the Utes, showing that they have the ability to compete with some of the top teams in the country. It also served as a reminder of the team’s potential and the bright future ahead for Utah basketball.
As the season progresses, the Utes will look to build on this impressive performance and continue to show their resolve in the face of adversity. With their never-say-die attitude and strong team chemistry, Utah basketball is a force to be reckoned with in the competitive world of college basketball.
The Cincinnati Reds are going to be bringing back left-handed pitcher Wade Miley for the 2025 season. Miley, who pitched for the Reds in 2020 and 2021 has agreed to a minor league deal with Cincinnati according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Miley joined the Chicago Cubs after Cincinnati designated him for assignment following 2021 (despite the fact that he threw 163 innings with a 3.37 ERA that year) and pitched in just nine games in 2022. He was successful in those 37.0 innings he pitched in, but injuries kept him off of the mound for much of the season. He became a free agent following 2022 and signed with Milwaukee. Mostly healthy in 2023 he posted a 3.14 ERA in 120.1 innings for the Brewers in his first season. But last year he made just two starts before his season ended.
The left-handed starter underwent Tommy John surgery after those two outings and is not expected to be ready to pitch in games again until some time in May. The 38-year-old, if he’s able to return to the mound (sometimes things don’t go as planned), will be in the minor leagues and will have to prove that he’s back and healthy, and likely have to perform quite well if he’s going to get a shot at the rotation where Cincinnati has good depth at this point in time. He hasn’t really pitched out of the bullpen much in his career, making 310 starts and just seven relief appearance since he began his big league career in 2011 with Arizona.
Still, the bullpen may be his best opportunity where he could perhaps contribute in a multi-inning role. Of course, with pitchers you never know how healthy they will stay and that good depth the Reds have among their starting pitcher group as they head into spring training may not look the same in June or July.
In exciting news for Cincinnati Reds fans, the team has announced that they are bringing back veteran pitcher Wade Miley for the 2025 season. Miley, who has been a key contributor to the Reds’ pitching staff, will continue to bring his experience and leadership to the team.
Miley, known for his consistency and durability on the mound, has been a reliable starter for the Reds since joining the team in 2020. His performance on the field, as well as his presence in the clubhouse, have made him a fan favorite and an important piece of the Reds’ roster.
With Miley back in the fold for another season, the Reds are looking to build on their recent success and make a push for the postseason. Fans can look forward to seeing Miley take the mound once again and help lead the team to victory in 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Cincinnati Reds and their upcoming season with Wade Miley back in the mix! #Reds #WadeMiley #MLB #2025Season
We’ve got another exciting Big 12 matchup on schedule as the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Utah Utes are set to tip at 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Jon M. Huntsman Center. The Bearcats’ defense has only allowed 62.7 points per game this season, so the Utes’ offense will have their work cut out for them.
Cincinnati is headed into Tuesday’s matchup hungry for a win as their strong season has now been derailed by two straight losses. They were dealt a punishing 80-52 defeat at the hands of BYU on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Utah ended up a good deal behind Baylor on Saturday and lost 76-61.
Utah’s loss shouldn’t obscure the performances of Miro Little, who posted 12 points plus eight rebounds and seven assists, and Ezra Ausar, who went 7 for 12 en route to 19 points plus seven rebounds and two steals. What’s more, Ausar also racked up five offensive rebounds, the most he’s had since back in November of 2024.
Cincinnati’s defeat dropped their record down to 12-7. As for Utah, their loss dropped their record down to 11-8.
Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Cincinnati has been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 36.5 rebounds per game. However, it’s not like Utah struggles in that department as they’ve been averaging 39.9. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we’ll see if one team can grab an edge.
Cincinnati is hoping to beat the odds on Tuesday, as the experts think they’re headed for a loss. They are a gamble against the spread as they sit with a 7-12 ATS record.
Odds
Utah is a slight 1-point favorite against Cincinnati, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Utes as a 1.5-point favorite.
Are you ready for some NCAA basketball action? The Utah Utes are set to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. If you’re looking for information on how to watch the game live, we’ve got you covered.
The game is set to take place on [date] at [time] and will be broadcast on [TV channel]. If you’re unable to watch on TV, don’t worry – you can also stream the game live online.
To catch all the action live, be sure to tune in to [TV channel] or visit the NCAA’s official website for the live stream. You won’t want to miss this intense matchup between these two talented teams.
As for the game odds, be sure to check with your favorite sportsbook for the latest updates. It’s sure to be a close game, so anything can happen.
So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready to cheer on your favorite team as they battle it out on the court. This is one game you won’t want to miss!
University of Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball began the new year ranked No. 16 in the ninth week of the Associated Press poll and 17th in the USA Today coaches poll. Since then, it’s been a steady plummet from a 10-1 record to 12-7 as they prepare to tip-off at Utah Tuesday night.
The struggles actually began with the start of Big 12 play Dec. 30 at Kansas State when the Bearcats dropped a road game they were favored to win, 68-60 to the Wildcats. Kansas State just beat No. 23 West Virginia at home but has a losing record overall and in the league (2-6).
The Kansas State loss was followed by three straight losses, giving UC an unfortunate 0-4 start in the Big 12 capped by their 54-40 loss to Kansas at Fifth Third Arena. The Bearcats led the Jayhawks by a point at the half, but scored only 15 more points.
UC recovered with a road win at Colorado and a home win against Arizona State. Defensively, from the three-point line, they had the No. 2 defense against the deep ball coming into their home game vs. Texas Tech.
Twenty-seven 3-pointers later (12 vs. Texas Tech, 15 at BYU) they’ve dropped to No. 52 in the country, allowing a bit over 30% from behind the arc. BYU lit the Bearcats up at 62.5%, 73.3% (11-for-15 in the second half).
UC is now 2-5 in January and 2-6 in the Big 12 heading into Tuesday night’s game at Utah. Saturday’s 80-52 drubbing at BYU was the Bearcats’ fourth double-digit loss and there are two months to play. Last year, UC lost to only Dayton, TCU and Baylor by double-digits.
After holding teams in the lower 60s on average, Texas Tech and BYU combined to pummel the Bearcats with 161 points.
So, what’s the difference?
Comparing 2023-24 Cincinnati Bearcats with 2024-25
In January 2024, UC upended No. 12 BYU in their own arena, 71-60 with a starting lineup of Viktor Lakhin, Dan Skillings Jr., John Newman III, Simas Lukošius and Day Day Thomas. Lakhin’s at Clemson, Newman is overseas and Thomas no longer starts.
Aziz Bandaogo and Jizzle James came off the bench for 12 points each. Saturday, they combined for 10 as starters. The 2024 Bearcats outrebounded BYU 45-38, while Saturday’s crew was up 20-17 on the boards at halftime and was outrebounded 17-8 from there. From the arc, UC was 6-for-15 for 40% to BYU’s 13-for-46 for 28%. The Cougars threw threes in like lay-ups Saturday while UC was 5-for-28, just shy of 18%.
Were personnel changes better?
That can’t truly be answered until March but for now, the Bearcats are missing 9.2 points and 5.4 rebounds from a reliable, graduated Newman. Miller has repeatedly told his team, “John Newman ain’t walking through that door!”
Dillon Mitchell has provided 10.7 points and 6.5 rebounds but doesn’t offer the three-point skills Newman had, nor the leadership. In his defense, he’s a new transfer from Texas where Newman had extensive experience with Wes Miller.
Please, Mr. Postman
While he was benched at the end of last season, 6-foot-11 Viktor Lakhin had actual post moves and provided 9.2 points and six rebounds in his first Big 12 season. Lakhin is now in the ACC with Clemson averaging 10.2 points and six rebounds plus he can occasionally knock down a 3-pointer.
Jamille Reynolds at 6-foot-11 saw his playing time diminish and transferred to USF where he’s averaging 11.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in the AAC. In his Big 12 season with UC he averaged 5.5 points and four rebounds but offered more moves in the paint.
Currently, 7-foot Aziz Bandaogo is averaging 7.8 points and six rebounds. His points are up from 6.6, but rebounds are down from 7.4. The Bearcats rebounding production is down from 39.5 to 36.5. Bandaogo came to UC from Utah Valley where he averaged 11.5 points and 10.4 points, albeit not in Big 12 competition.
The 6-foot-8 Mitchell has had some double-doubles for UC, but his rebounds are down from 7.5 at Texas to 6.5.
Paid production off elsewhere for Cincinnati Bearcats
To be fair, most were excited at the number of returning players Wes Miller coaxed back to UC. But, to be honest, given the structure of college basketball financials, it’s safe to say that came with some monetary gain.
Dan Skillings Jr. was poked in the eye at BYU and held to six points and a rebound, but his scoring is down from 12.9 points to 11.3 and more dramatically his rebounding is down from 6.4 per game to just 3.9.
Jizzle James was most effective off the bench last season but did shine in his two starts in the NIT. He’s UC’s fourth-leading scorer at 10.4 per game, up from the 8.8 last season. After back-to-back double-digit games, he was held to six points at BYU on 3-for-13 shooting from the field, including 0-for-5 on 3-pointers. James has made just 2-of-26 threes in Big 12 play.
In conference games, Skillings is the only player making more than 30% from behind the arc of the starters at 37%. Lukošius had a horrible start but has reached 29% after going 4-for-8 at BYU. Thomas is at 26% and Mitchell at 23%. Those numbers make it difficult in an unforgiving league boasting sharpshooters at every destination.
In the Big 12, Skillings is the only double-digit scorer at 12 per game, with Mitchell at 9.9, Lukošius at 8.8, James at 8.3 and Bandaogo just 5.3.
One might wonder if players are hungry given what financial reward they are given to return or to switch teams. Another question may be how long do they think they’ll be rewarded for diminishing results?
Former Cincinnati Bearcats feel pain
Recent James P. Kelly UC Athletic Hall of Famer Sean Kilpatrick made the following posts on X Sunday morning:
“I haven’t watched TV in a couple days because of the flu. Instead, woke up about 30 minutes ago and checked the ESPN app. My Bearcats man.”
Later, Kilpatrick echoed some familiar thoughts on the current state of college basketball.
“NIL messed up college basketball forever. It really makes you question if you really want to be part of something like that.”
Kevin Johnson was a four-year Bearcat from 2013-2017 who has served as a color analyst on some UC broadcasts and currently coaches at Summit Country Day where he won a state title. He has also been involved with UC’s TBT (The Basketball Tournament) efforts in recent summers.
Like most that have sported red and black, losses are personal for Johnson.
“I rock with Wes and the staff but I do miss watching original Bearcat basketball,” Johnson posted on X. “Gritty, physical, pressing, and tough as nails. I do not see any tenacity or will from the coaches or players. Losing isn’t the issue, it’s watching how we lose. No one cares about ‘analytics’!”
Will Cincinnati Bearcats stop slide?
Right now, it looks like another season minus the NCAA tournament. There’s plenty of room for making that up as March matters most. UC needs only look to what their Victory Parkway rivals did in 2004 when they went from 10-9 in January to their first Elite Eight. Boos were heard in Cintas Center that month just as they’ve been heard in Fifth Third Arena.
Metrics are always popular as winter inches along. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi had UC as one of the “first four out” before the BYU debacle. They’ve surely gotten the boot for now until they can play as the star-studded unit that dazzled against Ohio State in an October game that didn’t count.
College basketball statistician Bart Torvik projects UC at 18-13 (8-12 Big 12) which would require a 6-6 finish. That doesn’t appear to be an NCAA resumé and may or may not be good enough for a third straight NIT appearance.
UC hasn’t been to the NCAA tournament since 2019. They made nine straight appearances from 2011-2019. They were in an NCAA drought from 2006-2010. A miss this season would surpass that dry spell. UC has a dozen regular season games and an upward climb in the Big 12 tournament to rewrite this chapter of the book.
As a fan of Cincinnati Bearcats basketball, it’s hard not to notice that something is missing from the team over the past year. Despite having a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Bearcats have struggled to find consistent success on the court.
One of the biggest things missing from Cincinnati Bearcats basketball over the past year is a true leader on the court. While the team has had players who have shown flashes of leadership at times, there hasn’t been a consistent presence to rally the team together in crucial moments. A strong leader can help hold teammates accountable, inspire confidence, and lead by example both on and off the court.
Another missing element for the Bearcats has been consistent scoring. While the team has had players who have shown promise as scorers, there hasn’t been a go-to player who can consistently put up points when the team needs it most. In close games, having a reliable scorer can make all the difference in securing a win.
On top of that, Cincinnati Bearcats basketball has been missing a strong defensive presence. Defense wins championships, and the Bearcats have struggled to lock down opponents and prevent easy buckets. A strong defensive mindset can help create turnovers, limit second-chance opportunities, and frustrate opposing offenses.
Overall, while the Cincinnati Bearcats have shown glimpses of potential over the past year, there are definitely areas where the team is lacking. By addressing these missing pieces, the Bearcats can hopefully turn things around and get back to their winning ways.
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The Houston Cougars (5-15) hope to end a three-game losing streak when they visit the Cincinnati Bearcats (12-6) on January 29, 2025 at Fifth Third Arena.
Cincinnati vs. Houston NCAA Game Info
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM ET
Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
Venue: Fifth Third Arena
Last Game For Each Team
Last time out, Cincinnati picked up a 73-66 win against Arizona State. The Bearcats were led by Jillian Hayes, who finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists and five steals, while Chloe Mann added 17 points and five assists. Houston is coming into this game having lost to Kansas 57-43 in their last outing. Laila Blair led the team with 16 points and six rebounds.
Cincinnati vs. Houston NCAA Prediction
Prediction: Cincinnati 71, Houston 55
Cincinnati vs. Houston: Head-to-Head Comparison
Cincinnati is outscoring opponents by 6.7 points per game with a +121 scoring differential overall. It puts up 67.1 points per game (154th in college basketball) and allows 60.4 per contest (97th in college basketball).
Hayes’ team-leading 16.3 points per game ranks 114th in the country.
Houston has been outscored by 5.6 points per game (posting 59.0 points per game, 302nd in college basketball, while giving up 64.6 per outing, 189th in college basketball) and has a -111 scoring differential.
Blair is ranked 391st in the nation with a team-leading 12.5 points per game.
Cincinnati vs Houston Women’s College Basketball Odds and Prediction – January 29
The Cincinnati Bearcats (6-9) will be facing off against the Houston Cougars (9-7) in a women’s college basketball matchup on January 29. Both teams are looking to secure a much-needed win to improve their conference standings.
The odds for this game are currently in favor of the Houston Cougars, who are listed as -4.5 point favorites. The over/under is set at 135.5 points.
Cincinnati has struggled this season, but they have shown flashes of potential. Leading the Bearcats is junior guard Ilmar’l Thomas, who is averaging 15.7 points per game. If Cincinnati can find some consistency on both ends of the court, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
On the other hand, Houston has been up and down this season but has a strong core of players led by guard Miya Crump, who is averaging 14.8 points per game. The Cougars will look to use their speed and athleticism to outplay Cincinnati.
In this matchup, I believe Houston’s depth and experience will give them the edge over Cincinnati. I predict the Houston Cougars will win this game and cover the spread. The total points scored will likely go over 135.5.
Final Prediction: Houston Cougars win 75-68
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Another major concert was just announced for the city of Cincinnati.Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Dave Matthews Band are coming to Cincinnati on their latest tour.The band kicks off their tour in April and will stop in Cincinnati at the Riverbend Music Center on June 13. The band has a history of playing Riverbend, consistently selling out the Cincinnati amphitheater.An online ticket presale for members of the DMB Warehouse Fan Association begins Tuesday at noon. Click here for tickets. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at Ticketmaster.com and Riverbend.org. The band has already pledged $500,000 to support California wildfire relief efforts through their Bama Works nonprofit as they return to southern California on their latest tour.
CINCINNATI —
Another major concert was just announced for the city of Cincinnati.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Dave Matthews Band are coming to Cincinnati on their latest tour.
The band kicks off their tour in April and will stop in Cincinnati at the Riverbend Music Center on June 13.
The band has a history of playing Riverbend, consistently selling out the Cincinnati amphitheater.
An online ticket presale for members of the DMB Warehouse Fan Association begins Tuesday at noon. Click here for tickets.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at Ticketmaster.com and Riverbend.org.
The band has already pledged $500,000 to support California wildfire relief efforts through their Bama Works nonprofit as they return to southern California on their latest tour.
Exciting News for Dave Matthews Band Fans in Cincinnati: The iconic band is coming to town as part of their 2025 tour! Get ready to rock out to all your favorite hits as Dave Matthews and his talented bandmates take the stage for an unforgettable night of music.
Mark your calendars and make sure to grab your tickets early, as this is bound to be a show you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more details on the date and venue for this highly anticipated concert. Get ready to sing along and dance the night away with Dave Matthews Band in Cincinnati in 2025! #DMB2025Tour #CincinnatiConcerts
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Dave Matthews Band, Cincinnati concert, 2025 tour, live music, DMB tour dates, Cincinnati events, music performance, concert tickets, DMB fan community.
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