The 2023-2024 season has officially come to an end as Wes Miller and the Cincinnati Bearcats host West Virginia for their annual senior day.
West Virginia Players To Watch.
Saturday, Wes Miller and the Cincinnati Bearcats look to avenge their early season loss to West Virginia. The last time these two programs squared off was back on January 31st when the Mountaineers snuck away with a 69-65 victory after a tremendous second-half comeback. The Mountaineers were led by Jesse Edwards, as the talented center finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds in his first game back in action after breaking his wrist earlier this season.
The veteran center is most certainly the main focus for the Bearcat's defense, as Edwards has solidified his role as one of the best players in the Big 12. Edwards is coming off a historic performance in the Mountaineers 93-81 loss to TCU, where the seven-footer finished with a game-high 36 points and 13 rebounds. That being said, with the status of Viktor Lakhin still up in the air, the Bearcats front court may have their hands full come Saturday.
This means they will need to have a big day from veteran forwards Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds. Edwards averages nearly 15 points and eight rebounds for the Mountaineers over limited action this season. How Edwards excels around the basket, shooting 60% from the field on the season. They will have to find a way to out physical one of the top centers in all of the Big 12 come Saturday, to say the least.
RaeQuan Battle leads the Mountaineers in scoring on the season, as the senior point guard averages 16 points per game. Despite only playing 20 games this season due to the two-time transfer rules surrounding the NCAA, Battle has made the Mountaineers a much better team since gaining his eligibility back in December. Battle finished with just ten points on 2-of-6 shooting back on January 31st when these teams first met. However, for those who remember, Battle buried the clutch three to seal the deal for the Mountaineers down the stretch of that game.
Battle and Edwards certainly lead the charge for Josh Eilert's West Virginia squad. Cincinnati will have to find a way to contain both of them on Saturday when the Mountaineers look to play spoiler on senior day.
Players To Watch For Cincinnati
On his senior day, I think this will be a huge day for veteran forward John Newman III. Newman exited the first matchup in the final minutes with what was later known as a rib injury. However, this is a great opportunity for Newman to show out in his final game at Fifth Third Arena. Despite only being in Cincinnati for three seasons, Newman has left his mark on this program during his career.
In order for Cincinnati to be at their best they need a huge day from Newman on the defensive end. If Newman can find a way to contain Battle, I think this is a game where Newman's elite perimeter defense can really altar this game. If he can hold Battle to under 15 points as they did in the first match-up, and see him contribute on the offensive end as well, it could be a great ending for Cincinnati's regular season.
Prediction
I have the Bearcats winning 74-70 in a hard-fought battle where the Bearcats pull away down the final stretch. If the Bearcats can win the battle of the glass, they should be in great hands.
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