Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball Players to Watch: @ TCU Horned Frogs

Cincinnati can't afford many more losses this seasons.

Author:
Neil Meyer
Feb 23, 2024 4:16 PM EST

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CINCINNATI — Following the Bearcats' 80-76 loss to Oklahoma State on Wednesday night, Cincinnati's NCAA Tournament chances are left with a lot of question marks after their tournament chances take a hit.

Next, is a battle with TCU as Cincinnati needs to sweep the season series.

TCU Players to Watch

For the Horned Frogs, their offense heavily relies on Emanuel Miller, who is averaging nearly 16 points and six rebounds per game. In the first match-up between the two teams, Miller was held to just 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting in a very physical match-up with John Newman III. The talented wing player is in for another war with Newman on Saturday.

Micah Peavy is an interesting guard and a huge piece in TCU's comeback effort in the opening matchup back in January. Peavy finished with 11 points and five rebounds while being a huge problem on the defensive end, as the 6-foot-8 guard used his size and length to his advantage and was able to force the Bearcats into some crucial turnovers, which resulted in the game going to overtime.

Now, Peavy sparked some momentum down the final stretch after appearing to take an inadvertent elbow to the face after getting tangled up with Newman in overtime, which resulted in stitches above his left eye.

It could fuel Peavy on Saturday.

Players To Watch Cincinnati

The Bearcats had 50 points in the paint in the first matchup. Jamille Reynolds and Aziz Bandaogo need to repeat that Saturday. Reynolds played only eight minutes in that UC win, as the majority went to Viktor Lakhin (34). With Lakhin, not playing the last two games and Reynolds seeing his minutes shoot up, he has to be the offensive punch to Bandaogo's defensive stops.

It is also worth noting that CJ Fredrick didn't play in the first contest, and that could be something that truly impacts this game in many ways. Fredrick's ability to light it up from behind the arch should free up some opportunities down in the pain for the Bearcats' big men.

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