Cincinnati Bearcats Face Tough Big 12 Road Stretch

Bearcats look to boost NCAA Tournament hopes with key games against ranked opponents

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team is facing a challenging stretch of Big 12 road games, including matchups against No. 8 Kansas and No. 13 Texas Tech. At 14-12 (6-7 Big 12), the Bearcats are on the outside looking in for the NCAA Tournament, but a strong finish could get them back in the conversation. However, bracketology projections currently have several other Big 12 teams making the field, leaving the Bearcats potentially jockeying for a spot in the NIT or The Basketball Classic (formerly the Vegas 16).

Why it matters

The Bearcats' postseason hopes hang in the balance as they navigate this tough Big 12 road swing. A successful run could propel them into NCAA Tournament contention, while struggles could relegate them to a lesser tournament. The outcome will have major implications for the program's trajectory under coach Wes Miller.

The details

After going 0-2 on a difficult early-season trip to face top-ranked Arizona and Arizona State, the Bearcats have rebounded with three straight Big 12 wins. However, their upcoming schedule is daunting, with road games at No. 8 Kansas on Feb. 21 and No. 13 Texas Tech on Feb. 24. The Bearcats also have home games against Oklahoma State, BYU, and TCU to close the regular season.

  • The Bearcats' trip to Lawrence, Kansas to face the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks is on Saturday, Feb. 21.
  • The Bearcats will then travel to Lubbock, Texas to take on the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

The players

Wes Miller

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team, who is in his fifth season leading the program.

John Cunningham

The athletic director at the University of Cincinnati.

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What they’re saying

“A 5-0 sweep would certainly get them in the NCAA tournament conversation, but as of now, the Bearcats aren't in.”

— Scott Springer, Author (dispatch.com)

What’s next

The Bearcats' performance in their remaining regular season games, including the key matchups against Kansas and Texas Tech, will determine their postseason fate. A strong finish could earn them an NCAA Tournament bid, while struggles could relegate them to the NIT or The Basketball Classic.

The takeaway

The Cincinnati Bearcats face a pivotal stretch of their season, with their NCAA Tournament hopes hanging in the balance. How they fare against the Big 12's elite teams will shape the trajectory of their season and the program under Wes Miller's leadership.