Preview: Cincinnati at Arizona

by Ryan Roberts January 21, 2026

Cincinnati heads to the desert tonight facing the toughest test in college basketball currently: an unbeaten, top-ranked Arizona team riding an 18-0 start and a dominant home-court advantage. From a Bearcats perspective, this matchup is less about matching Arizona’s firepower possession for possession and more about forcing the Wildcats out of their comfort zones with discipline, physicality, and defensive precision.

Cincinnati will look to build on Saturday's 79-70 upset win over No. 2 Iowa State, while Arizona enters the match up off an 84-77 road win over UCF.

(Photo: Arizona Athletics / Rebecca Sasnett)

The Challenge Ahead

Arizona enters as the unanimous No. 1 team in the AP Poll for the first time in program history, owning one of the nation’s most complete statistical profiles. The Wildcats average 90.6 points per game (11th nationally), shoot 52.0% from the floor (6th), and out-rebound opponents by an eye-popping +13.6 per game (3rd). At home under Tommy Lloyd, they are 70-6, and McKale Center has been unforgiving to visitors.

Cincinnati, however, brings an identity that travels: elite defense. The Bearcats allow just 66.2 points per game, ranking seventh nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency (KenPom). They also rank second in the country in non-steal turnover percentage allowed (10.6%), fourth in opponent offensive rebound percentage (24.1%), and 20th in block percentage (14.6%)—numbers that directly challenge Arizona’s biggest strengths.

What Cincinnati Must Do to Win

1. Interior Defense

Arizona scores 46.3 points per game in the paint (2nd nationally), fueled by relentless rim pressure and frontcourt efficiency. Seven players in the Wildcats’ eight-man rotation are shooting 50% or better from the field, and their top bigs finish everything around the basket.

For Cincinnati, protecting the paint without fouling is essential. Arizona has made 355 free throws this season—more than opponents have even attempted (325). The Bearcats’ discipline defensively must hold, especially with verticality from their shot blockers and strong defensive rebounding to prevent second chances.

2. Control the Glass

Arizona averages 43.3 rebounds per game to opponents’ 29.7, one of the largest margins in the country. Cincinnati’s ranking of fourth nationally in opponent offensive rebound percentage becomes a critical counter. One-and-done possessions are non-negotiable. Senior forward Baba Miller, fresh off a Big 12 Starting Five honor, will be central here after averaging 11.5 rebounds last week against Colorado and No. 2 Iowa State.

3. Win the Tempo Battle

Arizona thrives in transition, ranking 9th nationally in fast-break points. Cincinnati has been successful slowing opponents down, forcing them to use 17.8 seconds per possession (268th nationally). If the Bearcats can limit live-ball turnovers and get Arizona playing in the half court, they give themselves a chance to keep this game in the 60s or low 70s—far from Arizona’s preferred script.

4. Make the 3-Point Line Matter

Cincinnati ranks second in the Big 12 in 3-point attempts per game (28.1). Arizona’s defense allows opponents to shoot just 32.3% from three, but volume and shot selection matter. The Bearcats don’t need to outshoot Arizona from deep—they need timely makes to punish help defense and keep the Wildcats from packing the paint.

5. Value the Ball and Force Mistakes

Arizona averages just 11.9 turnovers per game, but Cincinnati ranks third in the Big 12 in turnovers forced (14.56) and owns a +2.4 turnover margin in league play. Extra possessions are gold against a team this efficient.

Players to Know

Jaden Bradley | Guard

14.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.6 APG
Shooting 51.6% from the field and 81.9% at the line
In Big 12 play: 15.8 PPG, nearly 5 APG
9-of-13 shooting in clutch time
Bradley is the engine. He’s deadly late, efficient in the second half against power-conference teams (52.8% FG), and protects the ball (27:9 assist-to-turnover ratio in those situations).

Koa Peat | Forward (Freshman)

14.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG
Shooting 56.1% FG
Leads Arizona in Big 12 scoring at 16.0 PPG
Peat’s strength and touch make him a nightmare inside. Cincinnati must make him defend and avoid early foul trouble themselves, something that limited Peat recently against UCF.

Brayden Burries | Guard (Freshman)

14.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG
15.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.0 APG in Big 12 play
A physical wing who can score at all three levels and rebound his position.

Tobe Awaka | Forward

10.7 PPG, 9.8 RPG
14.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG in Big 12 games
Three double-doubles this season
Awaka’s motor fuels Arizona’s rebounding dominance and interior scoring.

Motiejus Krivas | Center

11.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG
Shooting 60.7% FG
31 blocks this season
Krivas anchors the defense and finishes efficiently around the rim, making him a major factor in the paint battle.

Final Thoughts

Cincinnati doesn’t need to play a perfect game—but it must play its game. Elite defense, rebounding discipline, tempo control, and timely perimeter shooting are the Bearcats’ path to an upset. Tonight will be a contrast in styles with Arizona preferring to make it a running game, while Cincinnati wants to put pressure on their opponent with pressure and physical defense. Whicher identity holds will determine who comes out on top.