17. Cincinnati (8-1)
Although things haven’t always gone according to plan this season, Cincinnati is outperforming their results from the last half decade. This program made nine straight trips to the Big Dance but hasn’t smelled the Tournament since 2019, though this year’s team looks to change that trajectory. Last week’s loss at Villanova was painful but one loss does not unfurl a season.
The Bearcats bounced back nicely last Sunday, winning 84-67 back at home over Howard. Simas Lukosius had 18 points while Aziz Banadogo added 17 points and 6 rebounds in a great offensive effort for the Bearcats. Cincinnati’s game this weekend was far more important as they hung on for a 68-65 home win over rival Xavier. Four of their starters scored in double-figures, highlighted by an 11-point, 10-rebound effort from Dillon Mitchell.
While their fortunes may change when Big 12 play begins and the schedule gets much tougher, Cincinnati has done what they’ve needed to this point in the season. There isn’t a plethora of impressive wins but their performance against Xavier was satisfactory and this team has already won a pair of games on the road. This talented lineup will look forward to a big opportunity against Dayton next Friday with conference play looming in the near distance.