Cincinnati’s Big 12 Surge Collides with Baylor’s Struggles in Crucial Showdown

Cincinnati’s Big 12 Breakthrough Arrives as Baylor Stumbles

For decades, Cincinnati basketball was synonymous with dominance in mid-major conferences. But now, in its first Big 12 season, the Bearcats (16-11, 6-10 Big 12) are proving they belong.

After a rough start in league play, Cincinnati has won four of its last six games, showing major growth in one of the toughest conferences in the country.

Meanwhile, Baylor (16-11, 8-8 Big 12), a perennial conference powerhouse, is sliding at the worst possible time. With three losses in its last four games, the Bears are sputtering toward the finish line as they prepare for March.

The two teams meet Tuesday night in Cincinnati, marking Baylor’s first visit to the Queen City since 1946.

Can Cincinnati Keep Its Momentum Rolling?

The Bearcats are peaking at the right time, coming off a 75-63 victory over TCU on Saturday, a game where they dominated early and never trailed.

“The way we started both halves was the key for us,” Cincinnati coach Wes Miller said. “A win in the Big 12 in February, finding a way, figuring out how to do it, is what matters most.”

Freshman standout Jizzle James led the charge with 18 points, while Day Day Thomas and Josh Reed chipped in 13 apiece. Dillon Mitchell was a force inside, contributing 12 points and a season-high 13 rebounds.

Cincinnati has also been unbeatable at home lately, winning three straight at Fifth Third Arena.

Mitchell’s Breakout Performance Fueled Bearcats’ Win Over TCU

Mitchell’s dominance on the boards was the result of a challenge from his coach.

“We’ve been struggling with rebounding recently, and I kind of took it personally,” Mitchell said. “All I was focusing on was trying to win the rebound war. I know if we can handle that, everything else will fall in place for us.”

With Cincinnati showing toughness on defense and confidence in transition, the Bearcats are gaining momentum just as Baylor is losing theirs.

Baylor in Trouble: Can the Bears Snap Out of Their Skid?

Baylor’s late-season slump has put them in a precarious position in the Big 12 standings.

Three losses in their last four games
A heartbreaking 76-74 loss to Colorado on Saturday
Falling into a tie for seventh place in the league

“Our defense didn’t turn Colorado over enough, and we missed too many layups,” coach Scott Drew said. “Our effort and attention to detail defensively needed to be a lot better in the second half.”

Bright Spots for Baylor Amid the Struggles

Despite the recent struggles, some individual performances stand out:

Norchad Omier (18 points, 13 rebounds vs. Colorado) – His sixth double-double in seven games, continuing his dominant inside play.
Langston Love (17 points vs. Colorado) – Stepped up late in the game, scoring 10 points in the final four minutes.
Jeremy Roach & Jalen Celestine (11 points each vs. Colorado) – Key contributors in the backcourt.

However, Baylor’s offensive issues are mounting. Freshman star VJ Edgecombe struggled in the last game, shooting just 2-for-9 for 8 points.

Adding to the frustration, Jayden Nunn missed the game due to illness, and center Josh Ojianwuna is out for the season with a knee injury.

The Bears need to find answers quickly, or they could be staring down a late-season collapse.

What’s at Stake?

For Cincinnati:

A chance to secure its biggest Big 12 win yet
Continue building momentum for the conference tournament
Prove that the Bearcats are no pushovers in their new conference

For Baylor:

Stop the bleeding before the NCAA Tournament
Avoid falling further down the Big 12 standings
Show they can win on the road despite key injuries

Prediction: Can Cincinnati Pull the Upset?

The Bearcats are riding a wave of confidence, and home-court advantage has been huge for them lately.

Meanwhile, Baylor is reeling, and with injuries and inconsistency plaguing them, they could be vulnerable in a hostile environment.

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X-Factors for Each Team:

Cincinnati: Can Jizzle James & Dillon Mitchell keep up their strong play?
Baylor: Will VJ Edgecombe bounce back, or will the offense stall again?

Expect a tight game, but with Cincinnati playing its best basketball right now, this could be the perfect time for an upset.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs Baylor Bears Picks and Predictions February 25th 2025