CINCINNATI – In a thrilling basketball showdown on Tuesday night, the Cincinnati Bearcats emerged victorious in overtime against the no. 19-ranked TCU, securing an 81-77 win at Fifth Third Arena. John Newman III delivered a standout performance with a season-best 20 points, including a crucial seven points in overtime that proved decisive in the Bearcats' triumph.
Guard Day Day Thomas played a pivotal role, contributing a career-best 21 points and taking control at the end of regulation. The Bearcats' Daniel Skillings Jr. (13) and Viktor Lakhin (11) also reached double figures, showcasing a balanced team effort. This victory marked Cincinnati's first Big 12 win at home, propelling them to a 13-4 overall record and a 2-2 standing in the conference.
The game was a nail-biter, with Cincinnati and TCU tied at 75-75 with 90 seconds left in overtime. Newman's steal and successful free throws gave Cincinnati a 77-75 lead, a lead they held onto till the end. TCU's Jameer Nelson Jr. and Skillings Jr. exchanged key plays, but ultimately, Day Day Thomas secured the win with two free throws, sealing the victory for the Bearcats.
Cincinnati's resilience was on full display as they fought back from a second-half deficit, shooting an impressive 52% from the field while limiting TCU to 42%. TCU, despite leading by as many as nine points in the second half, faced a scoring drought that allowed Cincinnati to stage a comeback.
Head coach Wes Miller expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, highlighting their resilience and ability to bounce back from recent close losses. Miller commended the players for their determination and praised their ability to stay in the fight, emphasizing the positive momentum moving forward.
Looking ahead, Cincinnati is set to host No. 15 Oklahoma at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Fifth Third Arena. The game will be streamed on ESPN+, offering fans another exciting matchup to anticipate.
In conclusion, the Cincinnati Bearcats' thrilling victory against TCU showcased their tenacity, teamwork, and ability to overcome challenges. With eyes on the upcoming clash against No. 15 Oklahoma, the Bearcats are poised to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of success in the competitive realm of college basketball.
