The Dancing Bearcats Look to Lock Cincinnati Into NCAA Tournament Selection

Cincinnati v Kansas
(Photo : Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)) KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MARCH 13: Jamille Reynolds #13 of the Cincinnati Bearcats shoots against K.J. Adams Jr. #24 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on March 13, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri

The Cincinnati Bearcats handled business last night, defeating No.16 Kansas 75-52 in the second round of the Big 12 tournament. 

The Bearcats pulled off their biggest win of their season, launching themselves into a matchup against the Baylor Bears. This win was behind a strong performance from Dan Skillings Jr., who led the Bearcats with 25 points and seven rebounds in the Bearcats' victory.  

Cincinnati's defense was big down the stretch in the contest, making it hard for the Jayhawks to score, flustering several Kansas players in the second half. 

"We got a little tight, to be honest," Cincinnati coach Wes Miller said. 

"Once we got aggressive and started playing like ourselves and getting out and running, I thought some good things started happening."

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Cincinnati Bearcats are Rolling Heading Into March Madness

This was a much-needed win for the Bearcats. Cincinnati has strung together several wins in a row and now has their eyes set on making the NCAA Tournament.

With a chance to keep their NCAA Tournament bid alive, they are set to take on the Baylor Bears in the Big 12 Conference Tournament quarterfinal game.

The winner will have the chance to play either Kansas State or Iowa State in the Tournament's finals. 

The Bears went 11-7 against Big 12 opponents during the regular season and 11-2 in non-conference play. The Bearcats are currently 9-11 in Big 12 play. 

The Bears already have a 62-59 victory at home over Cincinnati on Jan.13th, the only matchup between the teams this season. 

A win against the Bears is definitely enough to get Cincinnati's name called on Selection Sunday.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. the Rest of the Field 

Several schools have already got into the NCAA Tournament selection thanks to either winning their conference or having a strong performance in tournament play.

The Cincinnati Bearcats still have a chance to crack the field of 68. However, they still have some work to do if they wish to get in.

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