Cincinnati Bearcats vs Arizona Wildcats Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

Arizona Aims to Extend Winning Streak vs. No. 16 Cincinnati

Arizona is looking to keep its momentum rolling as it ventures into Big 12 Conference play, visiting No. 16 Cincinnati on Saturday. The Wildcats (7-5, 1-0 Big 12) are riding a three-game winning streak, including a 90-81 victory over TCU on Monday, and aim to continue their upward trajectory.

Arizona’s Adaptation Without Krivas

The Wildcats will move forward without 7-foot-2 center Motiejus Krivas, who is sidelined for the season due to a foot injury. Redshirt sophomore Henri Veesaar, another towering presence at 7 feet, stepped up with 15 points and six rebounds against TCU. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd is optimistic about Veesaar’s development, highlighting his added strength and improved skills.

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“There’s this thing you get called game confidence,” Lloyd said. “You have to be able to do it under the lights. Now we are going to be able to roll with Henri, and he’s going to get a little more opportunity.”

Guard Caleb Love, who poured in a season-high 33 points against TCU, has been vocal in supporting Veesaar’s growth, noting his potential and consistency in practice.

“We pour belief into each other,” Love said. “I think he’s getting that belief from everyone that we believe in his ability. This (game against TCU) is a sample size of what he can do.”

Cincinnati Looks to Bounce Back

Cincinnati (10-2, 0-1 Big 12) seeks a rebound after a narrow 70-67 loss at Kansas State in its conference opener. The Bearcats trailed most of the game but kept it close, with Dan Skillings Jr. leading the way with 18 points and Dillon Mitchell contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds.

“I think every night, no matter who it is … we come out together and want to play hard,” Skillings Jr. said. “We don’t pick and choose which games we play hard in.”

Despite never trailing by more than nine points, the Bearcats were unable to overcome the deficit, falling just short in the final minutes. Coach Wes Miller will aim to utilize Cincinnati’s home-court advantage as they face a resilient Arizona squad.

A Battle of Conference Expectations

Both teams are adjusting to the grind of Big 12 play. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd anticipates a season filled with tightly contested games.

“The days of 20-0 runs and being up 30 at half are done,” Lloyd said. “We have to get comfortable being in close games and fighting and fighting back. That’s what it takes on a night in and night out basis.”

Cincinnati, meanwhile, is eager to prove it can contend in the conference and end its NCAA Tournament drought dating back to 2019.

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Key Matchups

• Caleb Love vs. Cincinnati Defense: Love, Arizona’s leading scorer at 16.7 points per game, will be the focus of Cincinnati’s defensive efforts. His ability to create and convert scoring opportunities will be crucial for the Wildcats.
• Henri Veesaar vs. Dillon Mitchell: Veesaar’s recent emergence will be tested against Mitchell, who anchors Cincinnati with his rebounding and inside presence.
• Bearcats’ Consistency: Cincinnati must sustain its intensity for 40 minutes, something they struggled with at Kansas State, to neutralize Arizona’s offensive firepower.

The Stage Is Set

Both teams are seeking an identity in a competitive Big 12 landscape. Arizona aims to maintain its winning streak and build confidence without Krivas, while Cincinnati looks to capitalize on its home-court advantage and make a statement against a surging opponent. This clash promises to be a compelling showcase of grit and adaptability.