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Cincinnati vs. DePaul: A New Chapter in Their Old Big East Rivalry at the Crown Tournament
In an exciting first-round matchup of the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas, two former Big East rivals—Cincinnati and DePaul—will face off for the first time since 2013. This game promises to reignite old rivalries and bring new excitement as both teams battle for a spot in the next round.
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Cincinnati Bearcats’ Journey to the Crown Tournament
The Cincinnati Bearcats (18-15) qualified for the College Basketball Crown after earning one of two automatic bids for Big 12 teams not selected for the NCAA Tournament. Their season has had its ups and downs, with a particularly difficult 2-8 start in Big 12 play that ultimately hindered their chances of reaching the NCAA Tournament.
Cincinnati’s most recent outing was a 76-56 loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament, where the team struggled with issues that have plagued them throughout the season—lack of physicality in the paint and poor rebounding. In that game, they were out-rebounded 41-23 and outscored 36-16 in the paint.
Coach Wes Miller, in his fourth year, has emphasized the need for greater size and physicality to compete with the top teams in the league. Despite the struggles, the Bearcats remain a formidable opponent.
Key players for Cincinnati include Jizzle James, who has averaged 12.8 points and 3.6 assists per game, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention status. Dillon Mitchell also stepped up in key moments, including an 18-point, 15-rebound performance in a win against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 tournament’s first round.
DePaul Blue Demons: Underdogs With Momentum
DePaul (14-19), under the leadership of coach Chris Holtmann in his first year with the team, enters the College Basketball Crown tournament as a strong underdog. Despite facing some significant injuries—point guard Conor Enright is out with shoulder surgery, and center David Skogman is dealing with a foot injury—the Blue Demons have shown resilience. They’ve won three of their last four games and are coming off a hard-fought 85-81 double-overtime loss to No. 2-seeded Creighton in the Big East tournament.
DePaul’s standout feature this season has been their three-point shooting, setting a new school record with 309 three-pointers. Holtmann has been impressed by the team’s growth and development, particularly in the final stretch of the season. He’s optimistic about their chances in this postseason tournament.
“We’re really looking forward to continuing our season in the postseason,” Holtmann said. “Our team grew and evolved throughout the season, and despite the injuries, we’re playing our best basketball in the past month.”
What’s at Stake: A Spot in the Next Round and Big NIL Rewards
The winner of this Cincinnati-DePaul matchup will advance to face the victor of the Oregon State vs. UCF game on Thursday night. Beyond the matchup itself, the College Basketball Crown tournament offers lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rewards:
- $300,000 for the tournament champion
- $100,000 for the runner-up
- $50,000 for the other semifinalists
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With both teams fighting for postseason recognition and valuable rewards, this game will be a highly competitive affair.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Prevail?
As two teams with contrasting styles and motivations meet in the first round, this Cincinnati-DePaul game will come down to which team can capitalize on their strengths.
- Cincinnati will need to improve their physicality and rebound to compete at a high level. The performances of Jizzle James and Dillon Mitchell will be crucial in leading the team forward.
- DePaul, with their potent three-point shooting, will look to keep their momentum going. If they can stay healthy and find success from beyond the arc, they’ll have a chance to upset the higher-seeded Bearcats.
This is just the beginning of the College Basketball Crown tournament, and with $300,000 on the line, both teams will be giving their all. The winner moves on with more than just a victory—they’ll take a step closer to postseason glory.
