15. Cincinnati (5-0)
We’re just five games into the season but this certainly looks like the breakthrough performance that the Cincinnati faithful were hoping would happen. The Bearcats were in something of a rough period in recent years but Wes Miller’s fourth season in Cincinnati looks to have serious promise. We won’t know how promising that season is until Big 12 play begins, but the Bearcats are handling their business to this point.
After three home wins, the Bearcats took their show on the road, starting with a 76-60 road win at Northern Kentucky on Tuesday. Simas Lukosius had 18 points in a game where Cincinnati made their shots and did exactly what they needed to do against the Norse. Saturday was more of a challenge but had a similar result, with Cincinnati winning 81-58 on the road over Georgia Tech. Four different Bearcats starters were in double figures, led by Dillon Mitchell’s 14-point, 11-rebound performance.
The bottom line is that this Cincinnati lineup is as talented as it has been in the last half-decade. They haven’t exactly been beating up on great programs yet this season but they’re laying the foundation for what could be an excellent season. The Bearcats took care of business on the road and keep winning big; they’ll look to get that sixth win against Alabama State next week.