During a devastating 80-76 loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Wednesday, Cincinnati wasn't able to get it quite right on the defensive side.
Oklahoma State has struggled all year but went into Fifth Third Arena and hit 55.6 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from 3-point range.
The Bearcats defense and physicality has been a strong suit of theirs all season before failing to slow down Oklahoma State down the stretch.
Wes Miller's team doesn't have a ton of time to turn things around with only five games left and remaining on the NCAA Tournament bubble.
Defensive struggles proved costly during the #Bearcats disappointing loss to Oklahoma State on Wednesday.https://t.co/x2ibGdzFzv pic.twitter.com/GSgLpUASta
— Cincy on the Prowl (@CincyOnTheProwl) February 23, 2024
Cincinnati Basketball: Defensive miscues prove costly in loss to Oklahoma State
Cincinnati must put this loss behind them as quickly as possible with a road trip to take on the TCU Horned Frogs coming up on Saturday.
Miller showed upmost faith in his team during a recent press conference via Cincinnati Athletics: "I love my group. That isn't just a line for media."
The Bearcats took a 52-50 lead in the second half but just couldn't close it out as Oklahoma State connected on several clutch shots.
"I am trying everything possible to get them to understand stuff you can control to win one or two possessions," Miller said following the loss.