Cincinnati Bearcats Face Tarleton State, Led by Former Kentucky Coach, in December
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball team is gearing up for a crucial match against Tarleton State on December 1. This will be an important contest at Fifth Third Arena, marking the Bearcats’ final game before their rivalry matchup against Xavier. Coach Wes Miller’s squad is looking to bounce back from a January loss to Eastern Michigan, which showcased some weaknesses needing urgent attention.
Matchup Overview: Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Tarleton State Texans
After finishing November with a 5-2 record, the Bearcats must regroup against Tarleton State. Coach Wes Miller is mindful of the challenges ahead as the team aims to improve on past performances in December.
Upcoming Schedule
- December 1: vs. Tarleton State
- December 17: vs. Alabama State
- December 29: vs. Lipscomb
Recent Performances
Cincinnati’s recent game against Eastern Michigan exposed several areas for improvement. The Bearcats struggled without key players, Baba Miller and Jalen Celestine, and lacked the energy needed to secure a win, resulting in a disappointing loss of 64-56.
Adversity and Response
Coach Miller emphasized the importance of learning from setbacks. “Adversity strikes, and we must handle it correctly,” he stated. The team aims to transform these challenges into growth opportunities.
Following the Eastern Michigan game, the Bearcats received a mixed reaction from fans, illustrating the passionate nature of Cincinnati basketball culture. Miller acknowledged the crowd’s response, saying it’s part of the experience of playing in Cincinnati.
Tarleton State Insights
Tarleton State enters the matchup with a solid record of 5-3. The Texans are coached by Billy Gillispie, who previously led Kentucky in his career. Under Gillispie’s guidance, Tarleton State has been competitive and looks to pose a challenge for the Bearcats.
Recent Performance
In their last game, Tarleton State came back from an 11-point halftime deficit to defeat Midwestern State 67-57. Their resilience will be a factor the Bearcats must consider.
Key players for the Texans include Dior Johnson, who leads the team with an average of 23.6 points per game. His scoring ability will be crucial for Tarleton’s success on the road.
Game Strategy for the Bearcats
To secure a victory against Tarleton State, the Bearcats need to address three key areas:
- Minimize Slow Starts: UC cannot afford to start slow, as has been the trend in past losses.
- Control the Boards: Cincinnati has struggled with rebounding; they must assert dominance in the paint.
- Improve Shooting: With recent shooting percentages below 30% from beyond the arc, the Bearcats need better execution in their perimeter game.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Bearcats are poised to make a statement against Tarleton State. With a focus on overcoming recent challenges and building team chemistry, the Bearcats aim for a strong performance at home.
