Preview: Baylor at Cincinnati

by Ryan Roberts January 28, 2026

Cincinnati returns home Wednesday night looking to gain momentum in Big 12 play as Baylor comes to Fifth Third Arena for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip. Both teams enter the matchup searching for answers. Cincinnati enters Wednesday night having lost consecutive games to Arizona (77-51) and Arizona State (82-68). Baylor arrives searching for answers, as well, after a rough start to conference play.

The Bears are just 1–6 in the Big 12, their worst league start since the 2013–14 season, and are riding a three-game losing streak after surrendering 97 points to TCU. For Cincinnati, this game presents an opportunity to get back to their identity of elite defense after a road stretch that included two of their worst defensive performances of the season.

Strength vs. Strength

Cincinnati’s defensive profile remains among the best in the nation. The Bearcats allow just 67.5 points per game, ranking ninth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. They excel at forcing opponents to grind through possessions, with opposing teams averaging 17.8 seconds per possession, one of the slowest tempos in Division I.

Defensively, Cincinnati ranks:

7th nationally in non-steal turnover percentage (9.9%)
11th nationally in opponent offensive rebound rate (25.2%)
28th nationally in block percentage (13.5%)

Baylor, meanwhile, counters with offensive firepower. The Bears average 86.5 points per game, shoot 48.9% from the field, and rank second in the Big 12 and 28th nationally in offensive rebounds per game (13.5). Baylor’s ability to generate extra possessions could be the swing factor against a Cincinnati team that thrives on clean defensive stands.

(Photo: Baylor Athletics)

Dan Skillings Returns to Cincinnati

Wednesday marks the return of Dan Skillings Jr. to Cincinnati, where he spent three seasons (2022–25). In 100 career games with the Bearcats, Skillings averaged 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors during his sophomore year after leading UC in scoring at 12.9 points per game.

Now with Baylor, Skillings brings familiarity with the environment — but Cincinnati is equally familiar with his tendencies, making his impact a fascinating subplot.

Speaking with Skillings at Big 12 Media Days in October, Skillings had the following to say about returning to Cincinnati:

"I feel like Cincinnati is a home for me, I feel like when the basketball is done dribbling, I could live in Cincinnati. Going to Cincinnati, it'll be fun to be back in that arena with the fans that I love so much. With the hate or without the hate, it'll be exciting to get to play there. Obviously when you get in between those lines it's nothing but war. and if they boo me, I love them- I know they will boo me- but I don't mind. It's a part of basketball and that's how it is."

Baylor Players to Know

Cameron Carr | G | So.

20.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 BPG
Shooting 53.9% FG, 41.6% from three, 76.6% FT
11 straight games with 15+ points
Double figures in the first half in 15 of 18 games

Carr is Baylor’s offensive centerpiece and one of the most unique stat-line players in the country. He’s the only player nationally averaging at least 20 points, 2.0 threes, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. Cincinnati’s perimeter defenders will need to contest without fouling and force Carr into tough, late-clock decisions.

Tounde Yessoufou | G | Fr.

17.7 PPG, 5.9 RPG
Shooting 48.8% FG, 76.7% FT
Has recorded double-digit rebounds in all but one game

Yessoufou has been a revelation as a freshman, combining scoring aggression with a strong rebounding presence from the guard spot. His physicality and activity on the glass will test Cincinnati’s ability to finish defensive possessions.

Dan Skillings Jr. | G | Sr.

10.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.4 APG
Shooting 44.4% FG
Brings size, rebounding, and defensive versatility

Skillings may not be Baylor’s primary scorer, but he impacts the game in multiple ways. His rebounding numbers are particularly notable for a guard, and Cincinnati must be aware of his ability to extend possessions.

Isaac Williams IV | G

10.3 PPG in 22.7 minutes per game
Shooting 57.4% FG, 55.6% from three

Williams has emerged as a major weapon off the bench. His efficiency, particularly from deep, makes him dangerous if Cincinnati’s defense collapses too aggressively on Baylor’s starters.

What Cincinnati Must Emphasize

Win the rebounding battle, especially on the defensive end
Slow the tempo and force Baylor to execute late in the shot clock
Protect the paint while closing out under control on shooters

Cincinnati ranks top five in the Big 12 in scoring defense, field goal percentage defense, blocks per game, and defensive rebounds per game — all areas that align directly with Baylor’s offensive strengths.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is a measuring stick for Cincinnati’s identity. Baylor has the talent to score with anyone in the league, but Cincinnati has the defensive infrastructure to take teams out of their comfort zone — particularly at home.

If the Bearcats can limit second-chance points, contain Cameron Carr without overcommitting, and keep the game in the half court, they’ll put themselves in position to grind out a meaningful Big 12 win. It may not be flashy, but it’s exactly the kind of game Cincinnati wants — and one that fits perfectly with how the Bearcats are built.