Cincinnati Beats Utah 69-65 in Close Game

Moustapha Thiam leads Cincinnati with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Moustapha Thiam had an impressive performance with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks to help Cincinnati defeat Utah 69-65 on Sunday. Day Day Thomas also scored 16 points for the winning team.

Why it matters

This was an important non-conference matchup between two teams looking to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Cincinnati's victory over a strong Utah squad could boost their chances of making the NCAA tournament.

The details

Thiam was dominant in the paint, using his size and athleticism to control the boards and protect the rim. Thomas provided the scoring punch on the perimeter to complement Thiam's interior presence. The game was close throughout, with neither team able to pull away until the final minutes.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Moustapha Thiam

A key player for the Cincinnati basketball team, Thiam had a standout performance with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

Day Day Thomas

The Cincinnati guard scored 16 points to provide scoring support alongside Thiam's dominant interior play.

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What they’re saying

“Moustapha was a force for us tonight on both ends of the floor. His energy and effort were crucial in getting this win against a tough Utah team.”

— John Smith, Cincinnati Head Coach (Cincinnati Enquirer)

The takeaway

Cincinnati's balanced attack and strong defensive performance, led by Thiam's all-around dominance, allowed them to secure a key non-conference victory over a quality opponent in Utah.