After struggling in the early stages of the second half, the Cincinnati Bearcats fell short in a 69-65 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday.
Cincinnati had a lead for a majority of the first half but Oklahoma came out of halftime more energized and held on for a critical Big 12 win.
Despite entering the matchup as slight favorites, the Bearcats just couldn't overcome a series of costly mistakes and poor free throw shooting.
Oklahoma proved to be the more physical team with a 41-34 rebound advantage and outscoring Cincinnati 34-28 on points in the paint tonight.
#Cincinnati couldn’t overcome a second half deficit and eventually suffered a 69-65 loss to Oklahoma.https://t.co/taSH4ih6EX pic.twitter.com/l6LFW3RorW
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) January 20, 2024
Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats come up short in 69-65 loss to Oklahoma
Bearcats guard Simas Lukosius scored a game-high 17 points and six rebounds but that wasn't enough to secure a second consecutive win.
Cincinnati forward John Newman III totaled 14 points and five rebounds, and Oklahoma guard Javian McCollum had a team-high 16 points.
Even though there have been plenty of promising wins this season, the Bearcats loss to Oklahoma was another frustrating outcome at home.
Wes Miller's team will look to get back on track against the conference's preseason favorite Kansas Jayhawks on Monday night on ESPN.