Bearcats Slash Cowboys, secure 91-68 Victory

Cincinnati improved to 16-13 (8-8 Big 12) on Saturday following its 91-68 win over Oklahoma State, keeping its NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

The Bearcats were led by Day-Day Thomas (26 points) and Moustapha Thiam (24 points and 15 rebounds), while Baba Miller also recorded a near triple-double with 11 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

“It is hard to win Big 12 games.” Wes Miller told reporters. “Especially to win by that margin, you do have to feel pretty good about that. Our rebounding was significantly better tonight. We did a great job playing inside-out through Moustapha and Baba. Yes, we were able to knock down 12 threes, but I thought our ability to play inside-out was the difference maker. I think we can continue to play through those guys in the front court as our offense continues to improve.

Day Day Thomas has 1,000 career points.

Graduate guard Day-Day Thomas scored his 1,000th career point in the victory over Oklahoma State following a bucket late in the first half. Thomas finished with a game-high 26 points, with 15 of those in the second half. Thomas also tied a career high with seven made threes in the win. The last time Thomas knocked down seven threes in a game was vs West Virginia in the 2024 Big 12 tournament.

Cincinnati head coach Wes Miller chimed in and gave his thoughts after Thomas eclipsed that 1,000 career point threshold.

“Day-Day was back in Bishopville, South Carolina, just a few years ago, and his only collegiate offer was from Queens University. That was hisonly scholarship offer he had before going the junior college route.” Miller explained. “Coming from the junior college level to then go on and score 1,000 points in the Big 12 is something I am proud of.”

“I knew I was close to the 1,000-mark entering today,” said Thomas. “I wasn’t really worried about it, though, as I was just wanting to get a win. Although it is a blessing to be able to see you score 1,000 career points at the division one level, especially with my story.”

Shon Abaev Return

Freshman guard Shon Abeav returned to the court on Saturday for the first time in a month after suffering a grade two high ankle sprain in the loss to Arizona State.

Abaev finished with just two points, two assists, and two rebounds over thirty minutes of action. However, there was a lot to take away from his performance this afternoon, coming off the ankle injury.

Wes Miller was pleased with the way Abaev responded and played this afternoon, despite not jumping off the page on the stat sheet in his limited minutes.

“I was very pleased,” said Miller. “I thought he had a few really good defensive possessions. That was the area we were working on to improve earlier in the season. We were challenging him on the boards. His decision-making is key, and we are now a much better offensive team than we were at the beginning of the season. We are going to need him to facilitate and make plays. I thought he did a great job at that this afternoon. A great start, and I really think he can grow his way back into the rotation.”

1961-1962 Championship Team Honored.

Cincinnati welcomed back the members of the 1961-1962 National Championship teams to Fifth Third this afternoon, where they honored the members of that team at halftime.

“I was aware they were getting honored at halftime. Man, how special is that?” said Miller. “Cincinnati basketball is such a special program. There is a remarkable history here, and to have the 1961-1962 national champions come get recognized is special. I have had the chance to get to know those guys. What is special to me is how they have all stayed connected for the next 60 years. That moment stayed with you for the rest of your life, and I am glad those guys recognize that.”

The Rundown

Cincinnati jumped out to an early 9-3 lead over the Cowboys. The Bearcats quickly turned defense into offense after a Thomas steal led to an open three on the other end. Moustapha Thiam elected to join the party after knocking down the straightaway three to extend the lead to six.

The Bearcats controlled a 17-7 lead with 14:44 left in the first half as they started the game six for nine from the field. Thiam and Thomas had combined for 14 of the team's first 17 points in the opening segment.

Cincinnati’s ability to knock down the three-ball was the difference maker in the opening minutes of this one, as they started the game 6-8 from the field in that aspect. Jizzle James extended the Bearcats' lead to 12 with 11:37 to play after knocking down a contested three to spark a 6-0 run.

The Bearcats continued to pour it on the Cowboys over the next eight minutes. The Cowboys simply had no answer for Thiam in the pain as the sophomore center continued to score with ease. However, for Oklahoma State, you can now sense how much Parsa Fallah really meant to this team before he suffered the season-ending knee injury earlier this week.

Cincinnati led the Cowboys 51-33 at the half.

Moustapha Thiam led all scorers with 17 points and six rebounds as the sophomore center dominated the paint in the opening half. Baba Miller also recorded nine points, six rebounds, and three assists in the first half. Day-Day Thomas chimed in with 11 points as well.

Cincinnati shot nearly 53% from the field, while 43% from deep in the first half. However, the Bearcats were no match for Oklahoma State as Cincinnati continued to dominate in all facets of this game over the first 20 minutes to say the least.

Jizzle James scored a quick five points in the opening seconds of the second half to extend the team's lead to 20. Cincinnati continued to pour it on after a deep three from Thomas sparked a 7-0 run, forcing Oklahoma State to call an early timeout.

The Bearcats extended their lead to thirty with 12:18 to play, leading Oklahoma State 70-40. Thomas took over for Cincinnati after knocking down a pair of threes. From that moment on, it was all Cincinnati as the frustration started to boil over for Oklahoma State in the second half.

Up Next

The Bearcats welcome in Aj Dybantsa and the BYU Cougars on Tuesday night, with tip-off set for 9pm on ESPN2 for their home finale.