Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats must start to compete with neighboring schools
By Charles Post
![Cincinnati Bearcats outlast Evansville Purple Aces at Fifth Third Arena in 2023 Cincinnati Bearcats outlast Evansville Purple Aces at Fifth Third Arena in 2023](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5551,h_3122,x_0,y_204/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/189/01hk0jzsbj8wad54w3r8.jpg)
Even though the program has improved over the last couple years, the Cincinnati Bearcats must start to compete with neighboring programs!
Following losses to in-state rivals Dayton and Xavier last month, the Bearcats continued to struggle when facing high level competition.
Since head coach Wes Miller was hired in 2021, Cincinnati has owned a disappointing 1-5 record against Dayton, Louisville, Ohio State and Xavier.
The Bearcats will have plenty of chances to earn quality wins in Big 12 play including a matchup with former rival West Virginia next month.
Wes Miller broke down the #Bearcats 82-68 loss to Dayton during the postgame press conference.
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) December 17, 2023
“I’m really pissed off. We have a long way to go, a lot of work to do and things to figure out with this team.” pic.twitter.com/54XoEunU6m
Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats must start to compete with rival schools
After an underwhelming first half, Cincinnati eventually pulled away for a 76-58 win against Evansville at Fifth Third Arena on Friday night.
Bearcats forwardJohn Newman III racked up a team-high 16 points to help Cincinnati remain unbeaten at Fifth Third Arena so far this season.
The Bearcats get a week off before returning to action in the long-awaited Big 12 opener at the BYU Cougars on Saturday, January 6 on ESPN2.
With a chance to close non-conference play with a win, Cincinnati outlasted Evansville and is set to enter Big 12 play on a 3-game win streak!
Next. Cincinnati Basketball: Wes Miller reflects on the Bearcats win against Evansville. Cincinnati Basketball: Wes Miller reflects on the Bearcats win against Evansville. dark