What To Watch For In Bearcats-Houston Matchup

UC looks to draw closer to Houston in AAC hierarchy, and show they're ready for the Big 12.

Alex Frank | Jan 8, 2023

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DAYTON — It was once the most anticipated game every year in the American Athletic Conference. It will be a rivalry once both teams are in the Big 12. But right now?

Cincinnati and Houston played six times in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Each team won three games, and five of them were decided by 10 points or less. But since the 2021 season, Houston has won all five meetings against the Bearcats. All five wins have been by double digits, including three of 20 or more and two of 35 or more points.

No doubt Houston is still a big game on the schedule every year for UC, but there is now a bigger sense of dread as opposed to excitement when these two teams get together.

Both are heading to the Big 12 next year, so this will be a conference matchup going forward and remain a big hurdle for a men's basketball program aspiring to get back to national relevance.

Here are some things I want to see in the Bearcats' biggest game so far this season.

1. How far away are the Bearcats from Houston?

Houston is number two in the country for several reasons. What comes to mind when you think of a top team? Domination. How's eight wins by 30 or more points this year (No. 1 nationally) for Houston? Pretty good, huh?

The Bearcats have only lost two games by ten points or less—both away from home. But this is Cincinnati's biggest test in determining how far it has to go to get up to Houston's level.

2. Are the Bearcats ready for the Big 12?

Houston already looks the part of a Big 12 team. Defensively, they're allowing a country-best 51 points per game.

Part of that is attributed to forcing 15 turnovers and 8.5 steals per game. The Cougars are also excellent on the glass, averaging 40 rebounds per game, including 14 offensive rebounds per game. Yeesh!

Looking at the Bearcats' statistics—they're certainly better this year than last year. But compared to Houston? The Bearcats' rebound margin this season is only +2.9. Houston? +9.4. Cincinnati has four players scoring in double figures this season whereas Houston only has two. The difference, though, is the Cougars also have six players averaging between six and 10 points per game. The Bearcats only have one other player. Both teams are similar in several other categories, but the ones where they are not may decide tomorrow's game.

The Bearcats would currently be fifth in the Big 12 in scoring and fourth in rebounding. The Cougars would rank first in scoring defense, and rebounding. Cincinnati allows more points per game than every other 2023-24 Big 12 team.

This game not only determines if the Bearcats are close to Houston's level but also if they're ready to play in the Big 12, a conference Houston will be joining too, and already looks ready to take that league by storm.

Read more on the matchups in our preview.

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