Cincinnati’s Defiant Rally Stumbles Against Arizona’s Resolve

CINCINNATI – The No. 16 Cincinnati men’s basketball squad recovered from a 19-point deficit in the second half to equalize the game in the last minute but ultimately succumbed to Arizona, 72-67, on Saturday afternoon at Fifth Third Arena.

The Bearcats were driven by Daniel Skillings Jr. (season-high 18 points) and Dillon Mitchell (13 points). UC’s record now stands at 10-3 overall and 0-2 in the Big 12.

The Wildcats were spearheaded by guards Jaden Bradley (15 points) and Caleb Love (12 points). Arizona’s overall record improved to 8-5 and 2-0 in the league.

A layup from Skillings Jr. leveled the score at 64-64 with 58 seconds remaining, but Arizona countered immediately with Bradley driving the lane for a layup of his own.

The Wildcats successfully converted 6-of-7 free throws in the closing moments and secured the rebound on the lone miss to clinch the win.

Cincinnati was down by 19 with 17:22 left and steadily fought back.

Trailing 58-45 with nine minutes remaining, Mitchell ignited a 9-0 run to bring the Bearcats back into contention. His steal and two-handed windmill dunk energized the Fifth Third crowd. On the defensive end, fifth-year center Aziz Bandaogo leaped and rejected Arizona forward Trey Townsend’s shot, leading to a wide-open transition three for Mitchell, who drained the shot, prompting the Wildcats to call a timeout.

Senior guard Day Day Thomas capped the run with a layup, pulling UC within 6 at 58-52 with 7:24 to go.

Shortly after Simas Lukosius’ three-pointer, Arizona’s Carter Bryant elevated Arizona to a 64-57 advantage with 4:12 remaining.

Sophomore guard Jizzle James ignited a 7-0 run with consecutive baskets. Following Bandaogo’s split of a pair of free throws, Skillings Jr. executed a contested layup to equalize the game.

Cincinnati struggled in the first half, shooting 32% (9-of-28) and only 20% (2-of-10) from beyond the arc, as Arizona took a 39-26 lead at halftime.

FROM WES MILLER

“Credit to Arizona. They came in with excellent defensive energy and made it challenging for us, executing well. I thought we did a commendable job of clawing back into the game and showing resilience when we were down by 18 at one point. I was proud of that effort, yet I was dissatisfied with our offensive and defensive executions in the final minute, but you must acknowledge their ability to make plays.” 



On Dan Skillings Jr.’s performance

“Dan [Skillings Jr] is returning to his former self. I’ve mentioned before that taking a month off is incredibly tough, but the more he engages, the better he will perform in the long run.”

UP NEXT

The Bearcats journey to Waco, Texas to compete against Baylor at Foster Pavilion on Tuesday at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+.