It wasn’t that long ago that Cincinnati seemed on its way to the NCAA tournament.
But after three straight losses, five losses in the last seven matches and nine in the last 14 games, Bearcats need a deep run in this week’s Big 12 tournament in Kansas City, Mo., to regain consideration for a large berth.
This is the situation for the 13th seeded Bearcats (17-14) when they meet No. 12 Frö Oklahoma State (15-16) in the tournament opening Tuesday. And the Cincinnati coach Wes Miller is not happy with it.
“It’s unacceptable,” Miller said after Bearcat’s lost to Kansas State Wednesday in his home final. “The effort is unacceptable. The struggle is unacceptable. It is on the head coach. I am the leader for the operation. I have to do a better job.”
The results did not get better for Bearcats in their season finale, coinciding against Oklahoma State. But at least it was not due to the lack of effort.
Cincinnati dragged 18 points during the first half, but managed to trim the deficit to just one with 4:06 left before Cowboys finished the match on a 12-2 driving for a victory 78-67.
This marks the second straight season that Bearcats opens the Big 12 tournament with a rematch of their last regular season.
The cowboys fully used seven seniors on their list against Cincinnati. These seniors combined for 70 of Oklahoma State 78 points. After Cincinnati cut it to 66-65, the cowboys responded with 12 straight points which included 8-of-8 free throw. Bearcats missed seven straight shots and turned the ball twice during driving.
“Of course, we are happy to win a victory for the seniors on the senior day,” said Cowboy’s head coach Steve Lutz afterwards. “They have invested lots in this program. I am proud that they have continued to fight throughout the season.
“I know our team has gotten better. We are not where we want to be like a program, but I know these children have invested in Oklahoma State Basket.”
Abou Ousmane led the cowboys with 24 points and eight returns to Cincinnati and rose the team in both categories (12.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg). Jizzle James had 17 points for Bearcats and on average a team high 12.9 points per match.
The winner Tuesday is moving forward towards No. 5 Seed Iowa State in the next round.
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