Texas Tech Coach Discusses Cincinnati's Physicality Ahead of Matchup

Red Raiders prepare to face off against the Bearcats, who are coming off a big road win at Kansas.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:57pm

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Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland spoke to the media about the upcoming matchup against Cincinnati, praising the Bearcats' strong play on both ends of the court. McCasland discussed the adjustments the Red Raiders will need to make without injured forward JT Toppin, as well as the importance of team rebounding against one of the best rebounding teams in the Big 12.

Why it matters

This game against Cincinnati represents an important early-season test for Texas Tech as they look to build momentum heading into conference play. The Bearcats are a formidable opponent, having recently knocked off Kansas on the road, and the Red Raiders will need to find ways to compensate for the loss of a key player in Toppin.

The details

McCasland praised Cincinnati's balanced offensive attack, led by guard Baba Miller and center Moustapha Thiam. He acknowledged the Red Raiders will need to make adjustments to their pick-and-roll offense without Toppin, and emphasized the importance of team rebounding against the physical Bearcats. McCasland also discussed the need for the Red Raiders to maintain good spacing and recognition around the basket to take advantage of lob pass opportunities.

  • Texas Tech will host Cincinnati on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
  • The Red Raiders will then travel to Ames, Iowa to take on No. 4 Iowa State on Saturday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Grant McCasland

The head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball team.

JT Toppin

A key forward for the Texas Tech Red Raiders who is currently injured.

Baba Miller

A guard for the Cincinnati Bearcats who has been a complementary player for the team.

Moustapha Thiam

The starting center for the Cincinnati Bearcats who is playing well this season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really impressed with Cincinnati, obviously coming off a huge road win at Kansas, and winners of four in a row. They're playing with real flow offensively. They've always been an elite defensive team, and you can tell their confidence is growing. They've got great guard play. (Baba) Miller, has really been such a great complementary player for them, and then obviously, the big guy in the middle, Moustapha Thiam is playing great, too. So, man, they've got a great team, and they're playing great.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach

“Our team is always gonna be involved in ball screen action. It's what we base a lot of things out of. I think what you saw with Jaylen Petty being involved a little bit more, and we have to get to another action in order for that to happen.”

— Grant McCasland, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game against Cincinnati represents an important early-season test for Texas Tech as they look to build momentum heading into conference play. The Red Raiders will need to find ways to compensate for the loss of a key player in Toppin and match the physicality of the Bearcats, who are one of the best rebounding teams in the Big 12.