Opinion
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Can the Bearcats Claw Their Way to Victory at Schollmaier Arena?

As the Cincinnati Bearcats prepare to face off against the TCU Horned Frogs at Schollmaier Arena, fans are left pondering whether their team can secure a much-needed win on foreign hardwood. The upcoming clash, scheduled for February 24th, will be a testament to CIN's resilience and strategic prowess.


sJan 16, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  TCU Horned Frogs guard Jameer Nelson Jr. (4) drives to the basket against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Viktor Lakhin (30) and guard Day Day Thomas (1) in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Reflecting on recent performances, it's evident that CIN has displayed both strengths and vulnerabilities. In their last game on February 10th against the Houston Cougars, they fell short by five points in a tightly contested battle. Despite an impressive free throw percentage of 72 percent and a commendable effort in fast break points with ten, turnovers proved costly for CIN as they succumbed with eight compared to Houston’s five.


However, it wasn't all gloom for CIN; their defensive efforts were notable with three blocks and two steals. This defensive intensity will need to be replicated if they hope to stifle TCU's offense. Furthermore, maintaining discipline will be crucial since personal fouls were kept relatively low at thirteen in that game.


Jan 16, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  Cincinnati Bearcats forward John Newman III (15) reaches for the loose ball against TCU Horned Frogs forward Emanuel Miller (2) in the first half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Looking back further into their season provides more insights into what could unfold in Fort Worth. A victory over Texas Tech Red Raiders on February 3rd showcased CIN’s ability to close out games under pressure – an attribute that could prove decisive against TCU. With eight blocks demonstrating defensive solidity and a perfect free throw record that night (100 percent), there is evidence of what this team can achieve when performing optimally.


Yet consistency remains an issue for the Bearcats; another past encounter saw them committing thirteen turnovers while managing only five steals against West Virginia Mountaineers on February 1st – an area where improvement is necessary.


Jan 16, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  Cincinnati Bearcats guard Day Day Thomas (1) drives to the basket against TCU Horned Frogs forward Xavier Cork (12) in the first half at Fifth Third Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The key takeaway from these past games is clear: when CIN controls possession and leverages its defense effectively without succumbing to foul trouble or turnovers, they are capable of competing with any opponent.


As fans gear up for this pivotal match-up broadcasted via ESPN+, attention turns toward whether Cincinnati can execute under pressure away from home soil. It’s imperative that they capitalize on scoring opportunities inside the paint while also containing TCU's offensive threats through disciplined defense and rebounding efforts.


The stage is set for what promises to be an enthralling encounter between two determined teams vying for supremacy. Fans eager not to miss any action should tune into ESPN+ at 3:00 PM Eastern Time as the Cincinnati Bearcats aim to showcase their mettle at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth come February 24th.

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