Cincinnati Bearcats Defeat Utah 69-65 in Close Home Win

The Bearcats secure their third straight conference victory in a tight game.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team defeated the Utah Utes 69-65 in a close home game on Sunday. The Bearcats went on a 9-0 run to close out the game, led by strong performances from Day Day Thoma (16 points, 2 assists) and Moustapha Thiam (15 points, 7 rebounds). UC head coach Wes Miller was pleased that his team was able to maintain their poise in the final minutes to secure the win, after previously struggling in close games this season.

Why it matters

This win marks the third straight conference victory for the Bearcats, a positive sign as they enter the final weeks of the season. The team has struggled in close games this year, so this ability to execute down the stretch is an important step forward. Cincinnati will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchup against Kansas.

The details

Cincinnati trailed Utah for much of the game, but went on a 9-0 run in the final minutes to pull out the 69-65 victory. Day Day Thoma led the Bearcats with 16 points and 2 assists, while Moustapha Thiam added 15 points and 7 rebounds. UC head coach Wes Miller praised his team's poise and ability to make plays in the clutch, after the Bearcats had previously gone 0-5 in close games this season.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Cincinnati has now won three straight conference games.

The players

Day Day Thoma

A key player for the Cincinnati Bearcats, scoring 16 points and dishing out 2 assists in the win over Utah.

Moustapha Thiam

Contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds to help the Bearcats secure the victory.

Wes Miller

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, praised his team's poise and execution in the final minutes to pull out the close win.

Keyshuan Tillery

A freshman guard for the Bearcats, looking to build on his recent strong play as the team prepares to face Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“I thought we just stayed poised. I thought we held our poise, and then guys made some big-time plays in the last couple of minutes of the game.”

— Wes Miller, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bearcats (SI.com)

“The confidence that I try to have daily, I try to keep it high because that impacts the way I play. Having confidence and getting confidence from my coaches and my teammates. That helps.”

— Keyshuan Tillery, Freshman Guard, Cincinnati Bearcats (SI.com)

What’s next

The Bearcats will have a few days off before returning to Big 12 action on the road against Kansas on Saturday.

The takeaway

This close victory over Utah shows the growth and resilience of the Cincinnati Bearcats, who have now won three straight conference games. The team's ability to maintain their composure and make plays down the stretch is a positive sign as they prepare to face a tough opponent in Kansas.