What to watch in Cincinnati Bearcats Crown quarterfinal with UCF

[ad_1]

UC coach Wes MIller, MItchell, Lukosius, plus DePaul’s Holtmann on W

UC coach Wes MIller, Dillon MItchell, Simas Lukosius plus DePaul’s Chris Holtmann on UC win

LAS VEGAS – Nearly two months after their last meeting, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats will take on Big 12 conference foe UCF in the College Basketball Crown quarterfinals Thursday night.

UC coach Wes Miller got his team back on the winning track by beating DePaul 83-61 in the opening game Tuesday. Six Bearcats scored in double figures with Dillon Mitchell leading the pack with 15 points. Day Day Thomas added 13 points and swiped the ball seven times. He’s now pilfered the pill 17 times in his last three games.

“He’s fast!” Mitchell said. “We can really get out, run the lane and he’s going to make the right plays. Really with all of us being active, what Coach talks about is being ready. It just helps you to make plays and read the court.”

Departing seniors Aziz Bandaogo and Simas Lukošius were also part of the double-figure scorers as was Dan Skillings Jr. Bandaogo and Lukošius are playing their final UC games in the Las Vegas tournament which ends with a final Sunday.

“The season was disappointing for me,” Lukošius. “I’m grateful I get an opportunity to finish on a better note.”

UCF got a late free throw from 7-foot-2 Moutapha Thiam to break a tie with Oregon State. Thiam then blocked a shot late and the Knights held off a late attempt by the Beavers to prevail 76-75. Both teams were down roster-wise due to the portal and both used just eight players. UC played 10 against DePaul who likewise went with eight players.

Last UC, UCF battle in Orlando

After dropping four straight Big 12 games between Jan. 21 and Feb. 3, the Bearcats got well at Orlando’s Addition Financial Arena with a 93-83 win over the Knights, who then had Keyshawn Hall, the Big 12’s leading scorer (18.8). Hall is one of the Knights in the transfer portal.”

Hall had 23 points in the loss in February and teammate Darius Johnson had 21, but was…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-cincinnati/2025/04/01/what-to-watch-in-cincinnati-bearcats-crown-quarterfinal-with-ucf/82766905007/

Author :

Publish date : 2025-04-02 02:39:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.