Cincinnati Seeks First Big 12 Win Against Baylor in Waco

Cincinnati will attempt to secure its first Big 12 victory Tuesday night as the Bearcats face off against Baylor in Waco, Texas. Both teams are looking to rebound from recent losses, with Baylor falling to Iowa State 74-55 over the weekend. The game marks a critical moment for Cincinnati under head coach Wes Miller, who is in his third season with the program.

Baylor, currently ranked No. 22 in KenPom and No. 24 in the NCAA’s NET rankings, holds a 9-4 record this season. The Bears have shown resilience in Quad 1 games, securing wins against Arkansas and St. John's. Their dominant 81-56 victory over Utah in their Big 12 opener highlights their potential, despite recent struggles.

Head coach Scott Drew has revamped his roster after losing key players Ja'Kobe Walter and Yves Missi to the NBA. Baylor added former Duke point guard Jeremy Roach and Miami forward Norchad Omier through the transfer portal, alongside top-25 recruits VJ Edgecombe and Rob Wright. These additions have bolstered the team’s depth and versatility.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, is still adjusting to life in the Big 12 after moving from the American Athletic Conference. The Bearcats have faced a challenging schedule, with Tuesday’s game offering an opportunity to make a statement against a ranked opponent. Wes Miller emphasized the importance of consistency and execution in a pre-game press conference, stating, ‘We need to focus on our defensive intensity and capitalize on every possession.’

The matchup will be a test of Baylor’s offensive firepower against Cincinnati’s defensive discipline. Baylor averages 78.5 points per game, while Cincinnati has held opponents to an average of 66.3 points. The game tips off at 8 p.m. CST at the Ferrell Center, with both teams eager to build momentum as conference play intensifies.