Cincinnati Bearcats guard Simas Lukosius (41) passes the ball in the first half of a NCAA men’s basketball game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Utah Utes, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati. Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Key Bearcats Starter Simas Lukošius Ruled Out For Second-Straight Game

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bearcats on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 11:10 AM ET

The UC basketball is rolling into the TCU matchup without Simas Lukošius (shoulder) in the lineup.

Lukošius is out with the shoulder injury he suffered in the 81-70 loss to Iowa State last Saturday after also missing Wednesday's game against West Virginia. He was on the sideline during warmups and is still dealing with the ailment.

"If he can play, he'll play," UC head coach Wes Miller said on Wednesday. "He's in some serious pain, and he's trying to go through shoot around. Couldn't even go through shoot around. So from what the doctors say, it's day-to-day."

The Lithuanian is one of Cincinnati's best shooters and will likely get replaced by Josh Reed in the starting lineup again after UC posted just 59 points and shot 7-23 from outside without him on Wednesday.

Lukošius is averaging 11.4 points and 3.1 rebounds, with a 36% mark from deep this season. His shooting impact is crucial to Cincinnati's offense.