Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball Gets Great Injury News Ahead of Utah Matchup

A big man back in the mix.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team is getting a key player back from injury ahead of their matchup against the Utah Utes. Forward Moustapha Thiam, who missed two of the past three games due to an ankle injury, is slated to play in the game. While another player, Shon Abaev, is still out with a lower-body injury, he has been upgraded to doubtful after being a straight scratch for most of the past two weeks.

Why it matters

The Bearcats have won their past two games by 20-plus points, and getting Thiam back in the lineup should provide a boost as the team looks to win its third straight game in conference play for the first time this season.

The details

Thiam's return comes at an important time for the Bearcats, who have started to find an offensive rhythm in their last two games. Head coach Wes Miller noted that it's the first time this season the team has had everyone "shooting the ball and playing offensively in sync." The Bearcats will look to continue that momentum against the Utah Utes, who they will face on ESPN at noon ET.

  • Thiam missed two of the past three games due to an ankle injury.
  • Shon Abaev has been upgraded to doubtful after being a straight scratch for most of the past two weeks.
  • The Bearcats have won their past two games, both by 20-plus points.
  • The contest tips off today at noon ET on ESPN.

The players

Moustapha Thiam

A forward for the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team who is slated to play against the Utah Utes after missing two of the past three games due to an ankle injury.

Shon Abaev

A player for the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team who is still out with a lower-body injury but has been upgraded to doubtful after being a straight scratch for most of the past two weeks.

Wes Miller

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“It's the first time we've just had everybody start to shoot the ball and play offensively in sync. You know, we're a bunch of guys who are all kind of playing within a rhythm. It hadn't happened all year, and it's happened in the last two games, and it's been nice to see. I mean, we've felt like we put together this special roster. And I think Kansas State would say the same thing, too, but we've never really had it together with any real continuity.”

— Wes Miller, Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.