Recap: Cincinnati 100 Michigan 98

In a game that felt like March Madness come early, the Cincinnati Bearcats overcame a furious second-half rally by No. 7 Michigan to escape with a thrilling 100-98 win at Crisler Center. It was a showcase of offensive firepower, timely buckets, and relentless back-and-forth drama.

Despite the exhibition label, both teams played with mid-season intensity, and it showed in a frantic, physical battle that came down to the wire.

Cincinnati was powered by a well-balanced offensive attack — six players scored in double figures, with Shon Abaev, Kerr Kriisa, and Moustapha Thiam each pouring in 15 points. The Bearcats shot an impressive 55.0% from the field and knocked down 12 threes, reaching the 100-point mark despite being outscored at the free-throw line 41–22.

(Photo: Cincinnati Athletics)

Wes Miller: “So much great tape to learn from”

Following the win, Cincinnati head coach Wes Miller emphasized development over the scoreboard:

“What we talked about with the guys was when the ball goes up and you’re wearing a Cincinnati uniform, you’re as competitive as you can possibly be, but we really treated this exhibition as a great tool to build,” Miller said. “There is so much great tape to learn from after this game. We have such a long way to go on both sides of the ball but the film will be really useful for us in the long run.”

Miller’s words ring true after a game that showcased both Cincinnati’s potential and areas that need tightening, particularly on defense — the Bearcats allowed 64 second-half points and 41 made free throws, almost squandering a 20-point second-half lead.

How It Happened:

Cincinnati exploded out of the gates, building a 52–32 lead just 1:09 into the second half. But Michigan came alive behind star forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line. Michigan clawed back into the game with efficient second-half shooting (56.7% FG, 88.5% FT) and a late three from Will Tschetter that cut the lead to two with just 4 seconds left.

But Cincinnati inbounded safely, and time expired before the Wolverines could foul — ending the comeback bid.

By the Numbers: Cincinnati’s Edge

• Balanced Scoring: 8 Bearcats scored at least 6 points.

• Bench Production: Outscored Michigan’s bench 32–13 — a major swing factor.

• Clutch Shooting: Hit 5 threes in the second half and shot 50% after halftime.

• Kerr Kriisa: 15 points (4-of-9 from deep), including the dagger three with 1:17 left.

• Shon Abaev: Efficient 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting and 4-of-5 from the line.

• Mamadou Thiam: 15 points off 6-of-9 shooting with 2 rebounds and 3 fouls in 26 minutes.

• Sencire Harris: Stuffed the stat sheet — 13 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.

Despite shooting only 62.9% from the free-throw line and turning the ball over 16 times, the Bearcats won key categories: field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and total assists (15 to 13). Cincinnati also turned 20 Michigan turnovers into 25 points.

(Photo: Cincinnati Athletics)

Michigan’s Side of the Story

• Lendeborg’s Monster Night: 31 points, 12 boards, 9-9 FT

• Cadeau’s Control: 14 points, 7 assists, 12-of-15 from the line

• Gayle Jr.: 18 points, but 8 costly turnovers

• Team Strength: 85.4% from the free throw line kept them in it

Still, the Wolverines struggled from three (28.1%) and couldn’t match Cincinnati’s bench or perimeter firepower.

Game Flow:

What’s Next

Cincinnati will take the next week to evaluate the film from this game and prep for another high-level exhibition at No. 14 Arkansas.

Though the win won’t count in the standings, the Bearcats leave Ann Arbor with valuable tape, momentum, and a clear understanding of where they stand — something Coach Miller clearly values more than just the scoreboard.