Wes Miller and the Cincinnati Bearcats handed the Texas Tech Red Raiders their first home loss since March 4th, 2023, despite starting the season 11-0 at United Supermarkets Arena.
Check out our Winners and Losers from the 75-72 UC win.
Winners
Wes Miller
For the Bearcats, it wasn't easy on offense going another game without CJ Fredrick, who is currently recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained back on Dec. 22 vs Stetson. On top of that, they weren't sure if John Newman III would be able to play tonight following the rib injury he sustained vs West Virginia on Wednesday. However, Newman was able to go tonight and helped lead the Bearcats to victory.
For Miller, he gave the Red Raiders their first home loss since March of 2023, snapping a thirteen-game home winning streak to start the season. A win Cincinnati needed desperately after their collapse on Wednesday against West Virginia, as they looked to not repeat history in a very similar situation.
Now, for Miller and the Bearcats, they pick up a huge Quad 1 victory just 48 hours after suffering arguably their worst loss of the season in Morgantown.
"God, I don't even know what to say," Miller exclaimed. "I'm just exhausted. This is everything you asked for. This is how you become a great program again. This is how you become a better team. Nights like tonight give us a little confidence you can build off."
Miller and the Bearcats now have a week off to prepare for No. 4 Houston, who is coming off a loss to Kansas. This is a monumental win for the Bearcats as they look to keep this momentum rolling heading into the back half of conference play.
John Newman III
The graduate forward was a true game-time decision entering this contest after sustaining a rib injury on Wednesday that knocked him for the final few minutes of that game. Newman gave it a go tonight and was impactful on both ends of the court.
Newman finished with 11 points and six rebounds for the Bearcats on the offensive end, but his performance on the defensive end kept the Bearcats in this game. Newman held Texas Tech's leading scorer Pop Isaacs to just 5-of-19 from the field. Despite finishing with 22 points, nine of those came from the foul line. Newman's length and physicality were just giving Isaacs fits.
Newman showed how much he truly means to this team over the last few games, but his performance tonight was phenomenal, especially on such a quick turnaround following the injury. He had Issacs completely lost and flustered at times tonight. It even resulted in him sitting on the bench for some early minutes to start the second half.
Aziz Bandaogo
The seven-footer was a huge problem for the Red Raiders as Bandaogo finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Bandaogo set the tone early for the Bearcats after scoring the first four points of the game in the opening segment. Bandaogo's motor on the glass was a huge difference maker, as his long wingspan extended possessions when needed the most.
The Red Raiders had no answer for Bandaogo in the front court as he continued to bully the Red Raiders' big men. Bandaogo's tenacious effort on the boards was very contagious along with his effort.
Simas Lukošius
The junior wing willed the Bearcats down the stretch like he did the other night vs West Virginia. Lukosius finished with five of UC's final nine points including a huge dagger with 19 seconds remaining to give the Bearcats a 73-72 lead. The Lithuanian finished the night with 16 points and four rebounds but has continued to show that he is capable of being that big-time player down the final stretch.
Losers
Viktor Lakhin had another off night for the Bearcats as he finished with just four points and four rebounds on just 1-of-6 from the field. The talented Russian has struggled over the last few games. The week off could be something that plays in his favor after missing some time due to illness.
He'll look to find his footing again ahead of next Saturday's matchup vs No. 4 Houston.
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