The first round of the Big 12 Tournament kicks off on Tuesday, and the second game of the matchup will be the No. 9 Cincinnati Bearcats taking on the No. 16 Utah Utes. Both teams are coming off devastating losses and are aiming to bounce back with a first-round win as they try to qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
The Bearcats won their previous matchup, but it was close, as the Utes almost pulled off the upset with a final score of 69-65. However, with a possible spot in the NCAA National Championship Tournament on the line, both teams are expected to work even harder on this game.
Utah vs Cincinnati Men’s Basketball Projected Starting Lineups
Utah Utes
- F Seydou Traore
- F Keanu Dawes
- F James Okonkwo
- G Terrence Brown
- G Don McHenry
Cincinnati Bearcats
- F Baba Miller
- C Moustapha Thiam
- G Jizzle James
- G Day Day Thomas
- G Jalen Celestine
The Utes had three players in double figures, but it was still not enough as they were still blown out by Baylor 101-75. Don McHenry exploded for 20 points, four rebounds and two assists in that losing effort.
Meanwhile, the Bearcats dominated the boards in that 73-63 loss to TCU, with Baba Miller pulling down 14 to add to his four points and three assists, with Day Day Thomas leading the team with 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks.
Utah vs Cincinnati Men’s Basketball Injury Report
Utah Utes
- Babacar Faye: Out
- Jacob Patrick: Out
- Lucas Langarita: Questionable
Cincinnati Bearcats
- Jalen Haynes: Out for season
The Utah Utes will be without at least two players during the showdown against Cincinnati, with Lucas Langarita possibly finally coming back after a 12-game absence due to a leg injury. However, there are still reports that he still has some lingering issues. As for the Cincinnati Bearcats, Jalen Haynes is expected to be out again after having a knee surgery back in October.
Utah vs Cincinnati Men’s Basketball Prediction
The Utes are currently in a five-game losing streak, and that will more than likely go to six, as the Bearcats will likely move on to the second round. The winner will take on the No. 8 seed UCF in the second round.
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