Cincinnati Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Bearcats to beat Ohio State

Cincinnati Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Bearcats to get revenge on Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Cincinnati Bearcats cheerleaders perform during the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 08: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats dribbles the ball up court ahead of Naji Marshall #13 of the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of the game at Fifth Third Arena on December 8, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Knock Down Outside Shots

Cincinnati isn’t known for its three-point shooting but the addition of graduate transfer Jaevin Cumberland should be a huge boost. Jaevin shot almost 40% from long-range last season at Oakland and was a perfect 3/3 from deep in the Bearcats exhibition game against Thomas More.

Chris McNeal added three three-pointers of his own in the exhibition win. The Bearcats finished 8/16 from three in the game. Hopefully, this hot start from deep is a sign of things to come from Cincinnati.

Cincinnati shot a dreadful 23% from three in last seasons game against Ohio State on 26 attempts. The Bearcats will need to knock down outside shots in order to help stretch the floor and open up the lanes. All eyes will be on Jarron Cumberland as he had three of the four threes that went in for Cincinnati in that game.

Ohio State has a good shot blocker with Kaleb Wesson and he patrolled the paint in the last matchup. Cincinnati struggled to hit their jump shots early and found themselves in a difficult position playing catch up for the rest of the game. They can’t do that again.

If Cincinnati can stretch the floor it will help create driving lanes for the guards to get to the basket, Cincinnati likes to push the ball and looking for opportunities to drive and kick will be essential for Cincinnati. Cincinnati doesn’t need to shoot lights out they just have to shoot better than the 23% from three they did last season.

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