Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats aim to pull off upset over first place Houston

Can the Cincinnati Bearcats pull off a massive upset against the Big 12 frontrunner and top ranked Houston Cougars on Tuesday night?

Despite being underdogs entering the matchup, the Bearcats should be able to stay within reach and have a chance to secure a critical upset.

It will be important for Cincinnati to find success scoring around the paint and get off to a quality start against Houston's highly rated defense.

The Cougars are fueled by backcourt LJ Cryer, Jamal Shead and Emanuel Sharp, plus forward Ja'Vier Francis and center J'Wan Roberts.

Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats aim to pull off upset over first place Houston

Cincinnati was hoping to bounce back from a third straight home loss and pick up a quality victory until TCU ran away in the second half.

Houston climbed to the top ranking in the latest AP Poll after taking down 6th ranked Iowa State and 11th ranked Baylor throughout recent days.

The Bearcats fell to 16-11 following setbacks to Oklahoma State and TCU, while Houston stayed atop the Big 12 standings with a 24-3 record.

Wes Miller's team will look to snap a losing skid against Houston as the Big 12 newcomers face off for the second time in less than a month.