Cincinnati Bearcats Basketball Faces TCU Horned Frogs in Key Matchup

Both teams are fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament as the regular season winds down.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cincinnati Bearcats basketball team is set to take on the TCU Horned Frogs in a crucial late-season matchup. Both teams are on the NCAA Tournament bubble and need this game to bolster their tournament resumes. Cincinnati enters the game as a slight favorite, but the Horned Frogs have been tough at home and have a balanced roster that could give the Bearcats trouble.

Why it matters

This game has major implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament hopes. Cincinnati is trying to lock up a bid, while TCU is also fighting for one of the final at-large spots. The winner will likely secure a spot in the Big Dance, while the loser could be left on the outside looking in on Selection Sunday.

The details

Cincinnati has played like a top-5 team in the country since February 6th and has a chance to win 7 of its final 8 games to close the regular season. TCU, meanwhile, has been led by the strong play of forwards Xavier Edmonds and David Punch, who are both averaging double-digit scoring in Big 12 play. The Horned Frogs excel at getting to the free throw line and forcing turnovers, which could give them an advantage against a Cincinnati team that has played excellent defense all season.

  • The regular season finale is set for Saturday, March 6th at 2:00 PM ET.
  • Cincinnati has 3 games remaining before this matchup with TCU.

The players

Xavier Edmonds

A 6-8 forward for TCU who is averaging 14.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in Big 12 play.

David Punch

A 6-7 forward for TCU who is averaging 13.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in Big 12 play.

Wes Miller

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, who is in his second season leading the program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We talked about it after the Kansas game, because I knew that would create some of the NCAA Tournament talk. We agreed as a team that we weren't going to get caught up in the things that are put out there for clicks and for interest.”

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

What’s next

The winner of this game will likely secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, while the loser could be left on the bubble heading into Selection Sunday.

The takeaway

This matchup between Cincinnati and TCU is a high-stakes battle between two teams fighting for their NCAA Tournament lives. The game will come down to which team can best play to its strengths - Cincinnati's stifling defense vs. TCU's ability to get to the free throw line and force turnovers. Whichever team can impose its will and limit the other's advantages will likely come out on top.