Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats attempt to open the regular season on a positive note

As the regular season opener nears, the Cincinnati Bearcats are preparing to face the Illinois-Chicago Flames on Monday night at Fifth Third Arena!

Cincinnati should be able to pick up a double digit win over Illinois-Chicago and start the regular season on a positive note before competition increases soon.

The Bearcats are led by veterans Viktor Lakhin, Ody Oguama, John Newman III and DaVeon Thomas, plus freshman guards Rayvon Griffith and Jizzle James.

Wes Miller’s team is hoping to find success in the inaugural Big 12 campaign as the season opener is scheduled to get underway tonight on ESPN+.

Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats attempt to open the regular season on a positive note

• Date: Monday, November 6 at 9:00 PM
• Location: Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati
• Series History: Third ever meeting
• TV Broadcast: ESPN+ and fuboTV

Cincinnati junior guard Simas Lukosius racked up a team-high 14 points and sophomore forward Daniel Skillings Jr scored 12 points in a recent scrimmage.

Even though Maryland reportedly secured a 74-70 win in an exhibition, the Bearcats should be able to build on a solid outing against a quality opponent.

Lukosius averaged 11.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in his sophomore season, highlighted by a career-best 28-point showing in a victory against Villanova.

Skillings showed off elite potential as a freshman with a season-high 20 points in a win over Temple, and will have an increased role this coming year!

Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats gear up for regular season opener against Illinois-Chicago

During a press conference at the Big 12 media day, Miller previewed the regular season and reflected on recent roster changes per Cincinnati Athletics.

Illinois-Chicago finished with a 12-20 overall record last year and the Flames currently sit at 243rd in the KenPom rankings entering the season opener.

The Flames are led by senior guard Toby Okani, who averaged 11.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his junior season, and is a focal point of the team.

With a chance to secure an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2019, Cincinnati is looking to improve on a 23-13 overall record from last year.