Cincinnati Bearcats Look to Bounce Back Against Oklahoma State

Bearcats aim to end 3-game skid against Cowboys in Big 12 matchup

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bearcats will look to bounce back from a tough loss against Texas Tech when they host the Oklahoma State Cowboys in a Big 12 Conference matchup on Saturday. The Bearcats enter the game with a 15-13 record, while the Cowboys are 17-11. Cincinnati is currently projected as a long shot to make the NCAA Tournament, so this home game against a conference foe is crucial for their postseason hopes.

Why it matters

This game is critical for Cincinnati's NCAA Tournament aspirations, as they need to win at least 21 games to have a realistic chance at an at-large bid. A loss to Oklahoma State would make their path to the Big Dance much more difficult, requiring them to likely win the Big 12 Tournament to secure an automatic bid.

The details

Cincinnati is coming off a tough loss to No. 16 Texas Tech, where they struggled on the defensive glass and allowed 19 second-chance points. The Bearcats will look to bounce back against an Oklahoma State team that has its own rebounding issues, ranking last in the Big 12 with a -3.9 rebounding differential per game. If Oklahoma State's second-leading scorer, Parsa Fallah, is unable to play due to an injury, it could be a major blow to the Cowboys' chances.

  • The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. ET tip-off on Saturday, February 26, 2026.
  • Cincinnati is currently 3-5 against Oklahoma State since the start of the 1949-50 season.

The players

Wes Miller

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

Parsa Fallah

The 6-foot-9 center for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, who is the team's second-leading scorer and rebounder but is dealing with an injury.

Anthony Roy

The leading scorer for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, averaging 16.8 points per game while shooting 54.4% from the field.

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What they’re saying

“I was very disappointed in our defensive rebounding and the 19 points second chance points, I think, tell the tale of the game, so that's probably the biggest difference in the game.”

— Wes Miller, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bearcats (Cincinnati Bearcats)

What’s next

If Cincinnati loses to Oklahoma State, they will likely need to win the Big 12 Tournament to secure an NCAA Tournament berth, as they currently have a 70% chance to make the dance with 21 wins.

The takeaway

This game represents a crucial opportunity for the Cincinnati Bearcats to boost their NCAA Tournament hopes, as they look to bounce back from a tough loss and take advantage of an Oklahoma State team that has struggled on the boards this season. A win would keep the Bearcats in the hunt for a potential at-large bid, while a loss would make their path to the Big Dance much more difficult.