By: Beckett Wiswell
The Cincinnati Bearcats opened with a 109-54 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Bearcats struggled defensively to begin the game, clinging to a 38-30 lead. They would close on a strong 17-2 run ending with a buzzer-beater from Jizzle James. From there the Bearcats would cruise to a 55-point win.
The Cats were led by 20 points on 80% shooting from Simas Lukosius. The elite 3-point shooter had a strong second half to the 2023 season and is poised for a breakout senior season. Junior phenom Daniel Skillings had a double-double with 17 and 11. Skillings is a potential NBA athlete due to his elite athleticism and could be the Bearcats leading scorer for the second year in a row.
Aziz Bandaogo, Jizzle James, Dillon Mitchell, and Connor Hickman all finished in double figures as well. Hickman played the role of backup point guard while Day-Day Thomas was nursing a foot injury. Hickman transferred in from Bradley, where he averaged 14 points on 40% from the 3-point line. He had an impressive defensive showing and looks ready to fight for a starting job. Additionally, USC transfer Arrinten Page showed flashes on both ends and will be the Bearcats backup center.
Freshman Tyler Betsy flashed his shooting skills going 2-3 from behind the arc. The 6’8” freshman is a future star and will see decent playing time in his first season. Additionally, Rayvon Griffith got his first minutes after redshirting this past season. He finished with 8 points including a 3-pointer that got the crowd going.
This is the most talented team the Bearcats have seen since the end of the Cronin era; an NCAA Tournament should be in this team’s future. With twelve capable players, there’s also plenty of room for improvement to boost the team on a deep tournament run. Last year the team struggled with turnovers, 3-point shooting, and free throw shooting If this season’s opener is any indication all three of those categories are improved.
The Bearcats take on Morehead State on Friday, November 8 at 7 pm.