The University of Arizona men’s basketball team (7-5, 1-0 in Big 12) is hitting the road to take on the No. 16 University of Cincinnati (10-2, 0-1 in Big 12) on Saturday, Jan. 4 in Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Wildcats are coming off their first Big 12 victory against TCU on Dec. 30, where Arizona won 90-81, including a season-high 33 points from fifth-year guard Caleb Love.
History vs. Cincinnati
The history between the Wildcats and Bearcats dates back to Dec. 27, 1975, when Arizona won 71-64 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The two programs have only met three other times after that, with the Wildcats holding a 4-0 series record over Cincinnati. The most recent matchup took place on Nov. 21, 2022, with Arizona coming out on top 101-93.
Cincinnati players to watch
The Bearcats boast an impressive 10-2 record but are coming off their first Big 12 loss of the season after falling 70-67 to Kansas State University on Dec. 30. Notably, Cincinnati collected a season-high 15 turnovers in the game. Before recording their second loss of the season to Kansas State, the Bearcats had won four straight matches.
Despite the Bearcats’ defeat, Dan Skillings Jr., a 6-foot-6 guard, put up a season-high 18 points against Kansas State. Skillings Jr. has played in six games this season and recorded 17 points in the Bearcats’ first regular season match against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Prior to this year, he was also the Bearcats’ leading scorer, putting up 12.9 points per game and playing in 36 of 37 games. Skillings Jr. is one of four players who currently averages double-digits for Cincinnati, scoring 11.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He also adds on 1.5 steals and one block per game.
Simas Lukošius is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 14 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Notably, Lukošius has experienced a decrease in his offensive efficiency, scoring just 11 points in his last two games while shooting a combined 4-of-13 from the field. In every other game this season, he has consistently recorded double-digit points, even achieving a season-high 20 points against Arkansas Pine Bluff. Last season, as a junior, Lukošius led the team second as he averaged 11.8 ppg. Lukošius, a 6-foot-8 guard and forward, aims to regain his form against the Wildcats on Saturday.
Junior Dillon Mitchell recorded his third double-double of the season against Kansas State with 15 points and 11 rebounds. It was also the first game Mitchell had multiple makes from beyond the arc (2-of-3). Mitchell, the 6-foot-8 forward and the Bearcats’ leading rebounder, collects 7.7 rebounds per game. He is also Cincinnati’s third leading scorer and leader in steals, boasting a statline of 11.5 ppg, 1.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game.
Wildcats to watch
After winning their first Big 12 game of the season against TCU, the Wildcats look to continue their winning ways on Saturday against Cincinnati. Arizona recorded a season-high 28 assists on Monday against TCU, compared to the Horned Frogs’ 15, helping secure the 90-81 victory. Love shined on the court against TCU, recording a season-high 33 points in the Big 12 debut. It was his third consecutive game scoring 20 points or more.
Love shot 11-of-17 in the conference win, including five made 3-pointers to go along with a perfect 6-of-6 shooting from free throw range. Additionally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill transfer contributed seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Love is the Wildcats’ current leading scorer and second leader in assists, putting up 16.7 ppg, 3.2 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Notably, Love is an excellent free throw shooter, converting 89.7% of his attempts from the line.
Henri Veesaar is another Wildcat to watch; the redshirt sophomore stood out against TCU, finishing second in scoring with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the win. In addition to his offensive contributions, he also tallied six rebounds and four assists. Veesaar, the 7-foot forward, has scored 50 points in his last five games and contributes significantly on boards, averaging 4.3 rebounds per game. Along with his rebounding, Veesaar currently averages a statline of 6.9 points and 1.1 assists per game.
KJ Lewis continues to make an impact on the floor with his intensity, embracing his choice to come off the bench to benefit the team. Lewis played a crucial role in the victory over TCU, dishing out a season-high eight assists out of the 28 total assists by Arizona. He also provided eight points, two rebounds and three steals in the game.
Notably, Lewis has also made a vital impact at the free-throw line, shooting 87.8% for the season and a perfect 14-of-14 in his last three games. An El Paso, Texas native, Lewis boasts an average of 9.9 ppg, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Additionally, he is Arizona’s second-leading rebounder, collecting 4.7 boards per game.
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