Cincinnati Bearcats Seek Breakthrough Against Dominant Houston Cougars

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Bearcats aim to end a five-year losing streak against the Houston Cougars this Saturday at Fertitta Center.

Since a narrow win on Feb. 1, 2020, where Jarron Cumberland scored 17 points and Trevon Scott added a double-double, the Bearcats have struggled against the Cougars, with Houston winning the last eight meetings and nine of the last 10. The Bearcats’ last victory in the series marked a time when they had a dominant 22-1 edge.

Head coach Wes Miller‘s squad has come close, notably last season, when they led Houston at halftime but ultimately lost 67-62. “We’ve played against them a number of times in the last three years,” Miller said. “There have been moments where we were able to compete, and we need to rely on that experience.”

The No. 4 Cougars, riding a hot streak, recently defeated No. 8 Iowa State and overcame a short-handed Texas Tech team in Lubbock on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Bearcats strive to bolster their postseason chances after a significant win over Baylor on Tuesday, overcoming a 13-point halftime lead.

Miller emphasized the importance of converting opportunities, especially against a Cougars team that holds a formidable defensive record, averaging less than 60 points allowed per game. “If we’re going to play the right way, we can compete against anybody in America,” he said, looking ahead to the high-stakes matchup.

The Bearcats have historically struggled offensively against the Cougars. They haven’t surpassed 70 points against Houston since a 2018 game when they triumphed 80-70. Miller noted that Houston’s defense is intense, comparing it to the old UC teams that posed challenges for opponents. “They play like they’ve got three arms,” Miller remarked. “Success in this matchup will hinge on our ability to score efficiently.”

Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, has a wealth of experience, boasting over 700 career wins and a current record of 288-83. As the Bearcats prepare to face the Cougars on Saturday, Miller’s squad looks for inspiration in the competition. “I enjoy competition,” he said. “It’s one of the neat parts about this league.”

The game is set for 4:30 p.m. at Fertitta Center, airing on CBS. With both teams in fierce contention, a win for Cincinnati would significantly enhance their postseason resume.