Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball Missing Multiple Players Entering No. 10 Houston Matchup

Shon Abaev, Sencire Harris, and Jalen Haynes are out for the Bearcats, while Kerr Kriisa is probable with a shoulder injury.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:31am

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The Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team is missing several key players as they prepare to face the No. 10 ranked Houston Cougars. Shon Abaev (knee) and Sencire Harris (illness) are out, while Kerr Kriisa (shoulder) is listed as probable after suffering a separated shoulder earlier in conference play. Additionally, Jalen Haynes has been out for the entire season so far due to a knee injury. Head coach Wes Miller praised his team's resilience and professionalism in handling the adversity.

Why it matters

The Bearcats are looking to pull off a big upset against a top-10 opponent, but will have to do so while shorthanded. Cincinnati has lost 10 consecutive games against Houston, making this an even tougher challenge. The team's ability to remain resilient and professional in the face of these injuries will be crucial as they try to get a signature win.

The details

Cincinnati is missing four players for their matchup against Houston - Shon Abaev (knee), Sencire Harris (illness), Kerr Kriisa (shoulder), and Jalen Haynes (knee). Kriisa is listed as probable as he continues to recover from a separated shoulder suffered earlier in conference play. Head coach Wes Miller praised his team's handling of the adversity, saying they have been 'resilient' and 'professional' despite the 'less-than-ideal scenario' of being on the road for an extended period.

  • The Cincinnati vs. Houston game is scheduled for today, January 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.

The players

Shon Abaev

A Cincinnati player who is out due to a knee injury.

Sencire Harris

A Cincinnati player who is out due to illness.

Kerr Kriisa

A Cincinnati player who is probable to play with a shoulder injury.

Jalen Haynes

A Cincinnati player who has been out for the entire season so far due to a knee injury.

Wes Miller

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“These guys handled it like professionals. Nobody pouted. We were hurt about how we played Saturday night. Not just me, our team. I could tell after the game that we met in the hotel. They weren't pleased about how they played, and then to find out you can't get back home. We've been out there for a while, and they handled it like professionals. We actually got practice on Monday morning before we flew back. It was a less-than-ideal scenario, and so I appreciate you recognizing it, because I'm really proud of how this group handled it.”

— Wes Miller, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bearcats will look to pull off the upset against the No. 10 ranked Houston Cougars today at 12:00 PM ET on FOX.

The takeaway

Despite the numerous injuries and challenges, the Cincinnati Bearcats have remained resilient and professional in their approach, which will be crucial as they try to secure a signature win against a top-10 opponent on the road.