The University of Cincinnati men’s basketball team showcased their dominance with an emphatic 84-49 victory over Grambling State on Sunday at Fifth Third Arena. This commanding performance marked the Bearcats’ final non-conference game of the season, propelling them to an impressive 10-1 record. With this achievement, Cincinnati has secured its best non-conference standing since the 2012-13 season, building momentum ahead of conference play.
Strong Team Effort Powers Cincinnati’s Win
Cincinnati’s success was fueled by contributions from multiple players, demonstrating the team’s depth and balance. Aziz Bandaogo led the charge with 15 points, shooting an efficient 5-of-6 from the field. Dillon Mitchell and Day Day Thomas added 13 and 12 points, respectively, with Thomas notching his first double-digit scoring game of the season—all of his points coming after halftime.
Arrinten Page and Tyler Betsey were just shy of double figures, each scoring nine points. The Bearcats asserted their dominance in the paint, tallying 40 points near the basket and grabbing a season-high 18 offensive rebounds. Bandaogo led the way on the boards, securing five offensive rebounds, which played a crucial role in Cincinnati’s control of the game.
Early Surge Sets the Tone
Cincinnati wasted no time establishing its authority on the court. Mitchell ignited the game with a powerful dunk in the opening seconds, sparking an 11-2 run that immediately put Grambling on the back foot. The Bearcats continued their high-energy play with several highlight-reel dunks from Mitchell and Bandaogo, electrifying the home crowd.
By the midpoint of the first half, Cincinnati had built a commanding 23-5 lead. Back-to-back three-pointers from Betsey extended the margin to 29-9, though Grambling responded with a brief scoring surge before halftime. Despite this, the Bearcats maintained control, heading into the break with a comfortable 37-24 advantage. Bandaogo led the first-half effort with 10 points, ensuring Cincinnati remained firmly in the driver’s seat.
Cincinnati Bearcats Vs. Grambling State (image via Getty)Second-Half Explosion Seals the Win
The Bearcats carried their momentum into the second half, executing a series of precise offensive plays. A trio of consecutive three-pointers from Simas Lukosius, Jizzle James, and Dan Skillings quickly widened the gap to 50-29. Mitchell continued to energize the team, punctuating the run with another emphatic dunk.
Cincinnati’s lead grew beyond 30 points as the game progressed, with a mix of fast-break points and well-executed offensive sets. A dazzling alley-oop connection between James and Skillings, along with an acrobatic layup from Thomas, highlighted the team’s explosiveness. The Bearcats comfortably secured the win, closing with a dominant 37-point margin—their largest lead of the game.
Coach Wes Miller Reflects on the Victory
Following the game, head coach Wes Miller expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress while acknowledging areas for refinement.
“We wanted to make sure we handled our business in non-conference play, and I believe we’ve done that. It wasn’t always perfect, but we have continued to grow and improve,” Miller said. “We’ll use the holiday break to recharge, evaluate, and make the necessary adjustments heading into conference play.”
Miller also emphasized the team’s defensive strides, noting the increased cohesion and execution of defensive strategies. With conference play approaching, the Bearcats aim to build upon their strong foundation and take their performance to the next level.
Etruesports Recognizes Cincinnati’s Success
Etruesports remains committed to delivering in-depth coverage of Cincinnati’s basketball journey. This dominant win exemplifies the Bearcats’ dedication, discipline, and teamwork. As they transition into conference play, Etruesports will continue to provide comprehensive analysis and updates on their season.
With a promising start and a well-balanced team, the University of Cincinnati is poised for success in conference competition. Stay tuned with Etruesports for the latest news, game insights, and player performances throughout the season.
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