TicketsCINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati men's basketball team will seek its 10th win of the season when it hosts Stetson in its penultimate non-conference game Friday at 7 p.m. It is the first all-time meeting between the schools.
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THE RUNDOWN
ESPN+ | Listen Live (700 WLW) | Live Stats | Tickets
THE RUNDOWN
- Cincinnati responded from a rough defensive showing against Dayton to stifle Merrimack in a 65-49 win Tuesday night. It was UC's fewest points allowed since Nov. 2021 and a season-low for the Warriors. UC was also without the services of starters CJ Fredrick and Aziz Bandaogo following first-half injuries suffered against Dayton.
- Bandaogo's occurred in the first two minutes, yet he fought through it for a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double. He is averaging 13.0 rpg over his last three games, becoming the first Bearcat since Tre Scott (who ended his career with 10-straight in 2020) to record 10-plus rebounds in three straight games.
- Simas Lukosius and Ody Oguama started in place of Fredrick and Bandaogo, respectively, mirroring the Opening Night lineup. Lukosius went 3-for-3 from deep to up his average to 37.8 percent, matching his clip as a Butler starter last season. He only needed four shot attempts over 34 minutes (both his and the team's season-high) to collect his second-straight double-figure scoring game.
- Jamille Reynolds pulled down 11 rebounds in 14 minutes during his home debut. He also scored 11 points at Fifth Third for Temple in the Owls' overtime loss last year, in addition to playing seven minutes for UCF as a true freshman in a 2020-21 trip. His career-high of 12 rebounds came in an Owl win over Villanova last year.
- Reynolds, who introduced himself in proper fashion with an offensive rebound and thunderous dunk for his first UC points against Dayton, showcased it more Tuesday that included quick footwork in the low post.
- John Newman III contended for Player of the Game honors despite having two points. As Wes Miller will always state, he sets the tone defensively. The Bearcats were +17 with him on the floor, and he had 3 steals.
- 40 of Day Day Thomas' 42 points the last four games have come in the second half. He and fellow point guard Jizzle James shared the floor late in the Dayton game, as well as both halves of the Merrimack one.
- Viktor Lakhin's 18 points kept him in the team lead at 14.0 ppg. It was his second game this season (Bryant) not attempting a three-pointer. With three more assists, his 25 dimes top his 24 from the last two seasons combined.
- Cincinnati has out-rebounded its opponent in every game this season. Its 12.8 margin is fourth nationally.