Preview: Alabama State at Cincinnati
Cincinnati returns to the hardwood Wednesday evening looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Georgia on Saturday, 84-65. Their next opponent, Alabama State, will arrive at Fifth Third Arena with confidence after going on the road and playing a close game against Missouri, falling 85–77.
The Hornets (3–7) shot an efficient 47.5 percent from the field and matched the Tigers from long range at 50 percent from three, but Missouri (9–2) controlled the paint, outscoring ASU 46–26 inside and shooting 64.7 percent overall.
(Photo: Alabama State Athletics)
Alabama State at a Glance
Alabama State averages 79.2 points per game and shoots an efficient 45.0% from the field and 37.4% from three, making them a legitimate perimeter threat. When the Hornets are flowing, the ball moves quickly into ball screens for their guards, shooters fill the corners, and defensive pressure fuels transition chances. They take care of the ball reasonably well (12.5 turnovers per game) and score nearly 16 points per game off turnovers, allowing momentum to swing in a hurry.
The issue has been sustainability. Defensive lapses, inconsistent rebounding, and poor free-throw shooting (67.9%) have repeatedly undone otherwise strong stretches of play. Alabama State often relies heavily on individual shot creation late, which can stall the offense when defenses lock in.
Hornets to Know
Everything starts in the backcourt.
Asjon Anderson (18.4 PPG) is the offensive engine. He takes a high volume of shots, can get hot from deep in a hurry, and isn’t afraid of big moments. The tradeoff is efficiency — he can be pushed into difficult attempts if pressured and forced inside. He has scored in double figures in every game this season, including 23 points against Missouri and 30 points against New Mexico.
Micah Simpson (16.2 PPG) is the steadier guard. He shoots nearly 40% from three, handles secondary playmaking duties, and punishes defensive lapses.
Tyler Byrd gives Alabama State an efficient scoring punch off the bench and is dangerous when left unguarded, while Jerquarius Stanback, R’Chaun King, and Cameron Palesse provide effort, rebounding, and physicality inside — though none consistently control the paint.
Defensively, Alabama State plays with active hands, averaging 8.8 steals per game, but that aggression comes at a cost. The Hornets allow 81.8 points per game, surrender 46.9% shooting, and can be exposed by teams with size and patience.
How This Sets Up for Cincinnati
This matchup plays directly into Cincinnati’s strengths — if the Bearcats execute.
Control the Paint
Cincinnati’s frontcourt advantage is significant. With a +3.7 rebounding margin, Baba Miller (10.6 RPG) and Moustapha Thiam (7.3 RPG, 2.0 BPG) give the Bearcats an edge Alabama State hasn’t consistently shown it can handle. Playing through the post, generating second chances, and forcing the Hornets to defend inside actions should be a point of emphasis from the opening tip.
Handle the Pressure
Alabama State’s path to competitiveness runs through turnovers and tempo. Cincinnati’s guards — Day Day Thomas and Kerr Kriisa — must value possessions against pressure that will gamble in passing lanes. Clean ball reversals and attacking the middle of the floor can neutralize the Hornets’ steals and keep the game from speeding up.
Set the Defensive Tone
Cincinnati holds opponents to 67.0 points per game, limiting both field-goal and three-point efficiency. That discipline will be tested against an Alabama State team that thrives on early threes and transition chances. Sprinting back, running shooters off the line, and forcing half-court execution are essential.
Balance Over Burst
Alabama State leans heavily on two guards to create offense. Cincinnati counters with depth and balance, with six players averaging 7.8+ points per game and a team-first approach that produces 17.3 assists per game. Over 40 minutes, that balance can wear down a Hornets team that depends on streaky shot-making.
What Will Decide the Game
While this is a game Cincinnati should win comfortably, the final margin likely swings on two factors: paint control and turnovers.
If Cincinnati dominates the glass, protects the rim, and limits live-ball turnovers, the Bearcats’ size, depth, and defensive efficiency should gradually take control. If Alabama State is allowed to speed the game up, force steals, and knock down early threes, the Hornets are capable of turning the matchup into a tense, momentum-driven battle.
Bottom Line
Alabama State is dangerous when shots are falling and confidence is high. Cincinnati is struggling with consistency but at its best when the game becomes physical, structured, and disciplined. If the Bearcats dictate tempo, win the interior battle, and force Alabama State to execute in the half court, their advantages should show over time.
Do that, and Cincinnati puts itself in position to turn a potentially tricky matchup into a controlled, complete performance.