Wes Miller Explains Why He Didn't Call Timeout in Final Seconds During Bearcats 74-73 Loss to Texas

Cincinnati is 12-3 on the season and 1-1 in Big 12 play following the loss.

Author:
James Rapien
Jan 9, 2024 11:17 PM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — Bearcats head coach Wes Miller didn't call timeout during the final sequence of Tuesday's 74-73 loss to the Texas Longhorns.

It looked like Cincinnati was going to escape with their second-win over a Big 12 opponent in as many games. Instead, Texas scored on their final two possessions to secure the win.

Max Abmas made a jump shot with eight seconds to go to give the Longhorns the lead.

Miller opted not to call a timeout and Simas Lukosius' 3-point attempt was short at the buzzer.

Should he have called a timeout?

"It's a coaching strategy question. Do you get it out quick before the defense is set or do you call timeout, let the defense set, but get exactly what you want?" Miller said. "If I was at a coaching clinic I would tell you that there's no right answer. What's the best thing for your team?"

Miller made it clear that the Bearcats work on that exact scenario often and that he would've preferred to get the ball out quicker than they did.

Day Day Thomas sprinted up the court, before passing to Lukosius for the potential game winner. It wasn't a great look, but the Bearcats did get a shot off before the buzzer.

"We work on running and getting it out quick everyday," Miller said. "I didn't think we got the greatest look. They did a nice job of stopping the break around halfcourt, but this guy (Lukosius) gets a clean look at the basket to win the game, I think given the scenario, we all would've taken it."

The Bearcats are 12-3 on the season and 1-1 in conference play following the loss. They play at No. 14 Baylor on Saturday.

For more on Cincinnati's one-point loss to Texas, go here.

Catch Bearcats athletics action on fuboTV! Start your free trial here.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel on all things Bearcats athletics and Bearcat Blitz on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Make sure you bookmark All Bearcats for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more.

You may also like:

Cincinnati Football Adds Commitment From Grambling Running Back Deuce Williams

Bearcats Land Commitment From West Virginia Transfer Linebacker Jared Bartlett

Winners and Losers from Cincinnati's 71-60 win over #12 BYU

Cincinnati Football Gets Commitment From North Texas Safety Logan Wilson

Watch: Highlights From Cincinnati's Historic First Big 12 Win Over BYU

Three Man Weave: Cincinnati Pulls Off Biggest Win This Decade 71-60 Over BYU