With less than a month remaining in the regular season, Cincinnati is nearing postseason play including the AAC Tournament and potentially beyond.
Even though it seems unlikely to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019, Wes Miller’s team should have a chance to compete in the postseason.
Barring a deep run in the conference tournament, the Bearcats are projected to participate in the National Invitational Tournament for the first time in over a decade.
Cincinnati hopes to make some noise in the upcoming AAC Tournament, which is scheduled for March 9-12 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
#Bearcats come up just short in a 101-94 overtime loss at Tulane, falling to 16-9 and 7-5 in conference play. 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/CxyiRYmWNV
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) February 8, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Potential destinations for the upcoming postseason tournaments
If the team falls short of securing an NCAA Tournament berth, the Bearcats could be in the mix to host an NIT first round matchup on March 14-15.
The most recent appearance in the annual event was in 2010, which eventually resulted in a second round loss against in-state foe Dayton.
During a first round win over Weber State, Bearcats backcourt duo Deonta Vaughn and Lance Stephenson combined for 30 points to outlast Damian Lillard and company.
After being held at Madison Square Garden since 1938, the NIT semifinals and championship game will take place at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas this year.
It was another missed opportunity as the #Bearcats fell to 16-9 and 7-5 in AAC play with a must-win matchup against South Florida coming up on Saturday night at home. 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/3uVcxxsOMJ
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) February 8, 2023
Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats projected to participate in the NIT for the first time since 2010
Cincinnati hasn’t played in the NIT since 2010 but senior forward Landers Nolley II was named tournament MVP during his time at Memphis.
Nolley averaged 16.5 points on 45.2% shooting from 3-point range, leading the Tigers to a win over Mississippi State in the 2021 NIT title game.
If the Bearcats are able to slip into the NCAA Tournament, the action is set to get started on March 14-15 in Dayton but that remains a long shot.
Make sure to stay tuned for more updates moving forward as Cincinnati currently sits in fifth place with the AAC Tournament right around the corner!