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Cincinnati Basketball: Bearcats 2019-20 season preview

By Ben Andreatta

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 08: Cincinnati Bearcats fans get ready before the game against the Xavier Musketeers at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 08: Cincinnati Bearcats fans get ready before the game against the Xavier Musketeers at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 08: Naji Marshall #13 of the Xavier Musketeers tries to get to the basket while defended by Tre Scott #13 of the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati won 62-47. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 08: Naji Marshall #13 of the Xavier Musketeers tries to get to the basket while defended by Tre Scott #13 of the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati won 62-47. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Non-Conference Schedule

Nov 6th @ Ohio State

What a way to kick off the season, the Bearcats lost the home game in this home and home last season and will be looking for revenge. The Buckeyes are going to be tough this year with Kaleb Wasson back, Ohio State comes in at number 18 in the AP preseason poll. This is a tough test for John Brannen in his first game.

Dec 7th @ Xavier

Crosstown Shootout will always be one of the biggest of the season and this one is no exception. Brannen will be thrown into the deep end with this one as his first game in the rivalry will see him make his way to the Cintas Center. This game will be a must-watch, Xavier is ranked 19th in the preseason poll.

Dec 18th vs Tennessee

Rick Barnes and company coming to Fifth Third Arena is a massive contest, a chance to play a high-end SEC opponent coming off a 31 win campaign last season. The Vols lost quite a few of their studs last season but a win against Tennessee always looks good on a resume.

Dec 21st vs Iowa (Neutral)

A neutral site game in Chicago against Iowa is a great test before the Bearcats transition into conference play. A rematch of last seasons’ first-round game which saw the Hawkeyes knock out a Cincinnati team that was looking to make a deep run. The Bearcats will have a chip on their shoulder for this one as there will be a lot of familiar faces back for both sides.

Cincinnati needs to take care of business and win the games they should be winning against lesser opponents. There’s plenty of opportunities for quality wins including a few big-time clashes. Cincinnati will be battle-tested before entering conference play and we’ll get an idea of what kind of team Cincinnati is early. Any more than four or five losses entering conference play for UC is a cause for concern.

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