Sat Mar 08 22:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Bearcats Look to Bounce Back in Stillwater Against Oklahoma State

**STILLWATER, Okla. —** Facing a must-win situation, the Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball team travels to Gallagher-Iba Arena Saturday to face Oklahoma State in a crucial regular season finale. The game marks UC’s first appearance at the historic venue in over two decades.

The Bearcats arrive in Stillwater reeling from a disappointing 54-49 loss to Kansas State on Senior Night, a performance that drew sharp criticism from head coach Wes Miller. “The effort’s unacceptable, the fight’s unacceptable,” Miller stated, taking full responsibility for the team’s lackluster performance. “I didn’t do my job. Everybody should be mad at me.”

The loss leaves Cincinnati’s NCAA Tournament hopes hanging by a thread. While some bracketologists have already ruled them out, a victory over Oklahoma State would improve their record to 18-13, a mark comparable to last year’s pre-Big 12 tournament record. Many analysts believe the Bearcats need to win their remaining games to secure a tournament berth.

Oklahoma State, boasting an 11-3 home record with losses to ranked opponents, presents a formidable challenge. The Cowboys, who also need a strong finish to bolster their tournament chances, will be playing on their Senior Day. Key players for Oklahoma State include Bryce Thompson, a significant offensive threat averaging 12.3 points per game, and Abou Ousmane (12.1 ppg).

Cincinnati will counter with its own talented backcourt of Jizzle James (12.7 ppg) and Day Day Thomas (9.3 ppg), who have been consistently reaching double figures in recent games. However, the Bearcats will need to improve significantly on their recent offensive struggles, particularly their three-point shooting and free throw percentages.

The game tips off at 3 p.m. Eastern time. A victory would not only secure a 20-win season for Coach Miller but also provide valuable momentum heading into the Big 12 tournament. For both teams, Saturday’s game is a high-stakes clash with significant postseason implications.

Read More