Cincinnati Bearcats Triumph Over Oklahoma State in Big 12 Tourney

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Cincinnati Bearcats opened the 2025 Big 12 Tournament with a commanding 87-68 victory over Oklahoma State on Tuesday. The Bearcats rallied after a disappointing performance in their previous game, demonstrating resilience and teamwork.

Coach Wes Miller‘s squad bounced back impressively, dominating the T-Mobile Center by forcing 24 turnovers from the Cowboys and recording a season-high of 43 deflections. “We just got our hands on so many different basketballs,” Miller said. “You make those plays by doing some little things to put yourself in that position. Give our guys a ton of credit for turning the page.”

The win improved Cincinnati’s record to 18-14, while Oklahoma State fell to 15-17. Day Day Thomas led the Bearcats with 21 points, while Josh Reed contributed a career-high 19 points. Dillon Mitchell recorded a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Dan Skillings Jr. added 13 points.

Cincinnati built a solid first-half lead, going into halftime with a 38-26 advantage. The Bearcats are now 16-2 this season when leading at the half and 10-0 when scoring at least 80 points. “I like the confidence and aggressiveness,” Miller noted. “When our team is active and they’re confident and aggressive, we play our best basketball.”

Oklahoma State was led by Connor Dow, who scored 12 points. The Bearcats outperformed the Cowboys on the boards, collecting 40 rebounds to Oklahoma State’s 36. Notably, the Bearcats capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes, converting 26 points off turnovers.

Thomas, a standout performer throughout the season, emphasized the importance of stepping up in March, stating, “It’s March, it’s the time of the year to step up. You’ve got to be a leader for the team. Just step up and play Bearcats basketball.” Reed echoed his teammate’s sentiments, highlighting the impact of teamwork: “We were just sharing the ball well, having fun and playing as a team.”

As the Bearcats prepare for their next challenge against Iowa State at 12:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Miller acknowledged that they face a tough path ahead, especially if they want to secure an NCAA tournament bid. “Our guys were aware of the game he had,” Miller remarked regarding Oklahoma State’s Abou Ousmane, who struggled due to foul trouble, limiting his impact in the game.

Cincinnati knows that success in the Big 12 Tournament could significantly enhance their chances for NCAA inclusion. As the tournament unfolds, the Bearcats strive for consistency and momentum to achieve their championship dreams.