Preview: Utah at Cincinnati

by Ryan Roberts February 15, 2026

The Cincinnati Bearcats return to Fifth Third Arena on Sunday for a noon ET tip against Utah Utes men's basketball, with the game televised nationally on ESPN.

(Photo: Utah Athletics)

Winners of two straight and coming off back-to-back 90-point performances, Cincinnati (13-12, 5-7 Big 12) looks to continue its momentum against a Utah squad that enters 9-15 overall and 1-10 in conference play.

From a Cincinnati perspective, the formula to a third consecutive win is clear: defense, rebounding and pace control.

Defensive Identity Setting the Tone

Cincinnati’s defensive profile has been one of the most consistent in the Big 12 and nationally. The Bearcats are allowing just 67.0 points per game and rank 10th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency (KenPom). They’ve done it by forcing teams into uncomfortable, deliberate offensive possessions.

Opponents are averaging 17.8 seconds per possession against Cincinnati — among the longest in the country — a sign of how well the Bearcats disrupt rhythm and limit clean looks.

The numbers back it up:

8th nationally in non-steal turnover percentage (9.6%)
20th in opponent offensive rebound percentage (26.1%)
13th in opponent 2-point percentage (41.3%)
4th in the Big 12 in scoring defense (67.0 ppg)
4th in field goal percentage defense (41.3%)

Cincinnati isn’t just guarding the first action — it’s finishing possessions by rebounding and limiting second chances.

That’s where Baba Miller continues to shine.

Baba Miller Anchoring the Interior

Baba Miller has emerged as one of the most productive frontcourt players in the country. He’s tied for 20th nationally and second in the Big 12 with 11 double-doubles, and his rebounding numbers are elite:

10.5 rebounds per game (11th nationally)
8.04 defensive rebounds per game (3rd nationally)
29.1% defensive rebounding percentage (5th nationally)

Averaging 13.7 points, 10.5 boards and 3.2 assists per game, Miller is one of only three players nationally putting up at least 13-10-3 this season.

With the status of sophomore center Moustapha Thiam up in the air after missing the Kansas State win, and Utah struggling on the glass, Miller’s ability to control the defensive boards could dictate tempo and limit second-chance opportunities.

Utah Key Players

Despite its record, Utah presents scoring threats that Cincinnati must account for.

Terrence Brown (20.8 ppg)

Junior guard Terrence Brown ranks fourth in the Big 12 in scoring at 20.8 points per game. He shoots 44.9% from the field and 34.1% from three while getting to the free-throw line frequently (164 attempts, 78.7%). Brown is a volume scorer who can create off the dribble and carry stretches offensively.

Don McHenry (17.3 ppg)

Fifth-year guard Don McHenry adds 17.3 points per game and shoots nearly 40% from three (39.5%). He’s Utah’s most consistent perimeter threat and a player Cincinnati must locate in transition and off kick-outs.

Keanu Dawes (12.7 ppg, 9.1 rpg)

Forward Keanu Dawes is Utah’s interior presence, shooting an efficient 57.9% from the field while averaging 9.1 rebounds. He’s active on the glass and will test Cincinnati’s physicality inside.

Utah averages 76.8 points per game but allows 80.0, and opponents are shooting 47.2% from the field against them. That defensive vulnerability could be key.

Pace and Perimeter Play

Cincinnati ranks third in the Big 12 in three-point attempts (26.6 per game) and fourth in assists (16.6 per game), a sign of improved ball movement and spacing during its recent offensive surge.

In wins over UCF and Kansas State, the Bearcats played with pace and confidence offensively while still maintaining defensive discipline.

Utah averages just 11.2 turnovers per game and doesn’t beat itself often, so Cincinnati’s ability to guard without gambling will be important. The Bearcats are fifth in the league in turnovers forced (13.16 per game), but their true strength is making opponents uncomfortable deep into the shot clock.

Keys to Cincinnati Victory

1. Contain Brown Without Overcommitting

Brown is capable of scoring 25+ on any given night. Cincinnati must crowd his driving lanes while avoiding foul trouble and staying attached to shooters like McHenry. Brown has nine games this season where he scored 25+ points, including a four-game stretch where he scored 25 against BYU, 26 against TCU, and 33 against Kansas State.

2. Win the Defensive Glass

Utah is already at a rebounding deficit on the season. If Miller and the Bearcats limit second chances, they’ll control tempo and generate transition opportunities.

3. Continue Offensive Flow

With 90+ points in consecutive games, Cincinnati’s spacing and assist numbers have improved. Ball movement leading to quality three-point attempts will test a Utah defense allowing nearly 47% shooting.

4. Impose Tempo Early

Fifth Third Arena has been a strong home environment. If Cincinnati establishes its defensive pressure and builds an early lead, Utah’s half-court offense could struggle against extended possessions late in the clock.

Final Thoughts

Cincinnati enters Sunday playing its best offensive basketball of the conference season, but its identity remains rooted in defense and rebounding.

Utah has capable scorers in Brown and McHenry, yet the Utes’ defensive inconsistencies and rebounding challenges present a favorable matchup for the Bearcats — especially at home.

If Cincinnati stays disciplined defensively, controls the glass and continues its efficient ball movement, it has a strong opportunity to extend its winning streak to three and build further momentum in Big 12 play.