In the world of college basketball, where competition is fierce and stakes are high, the Cincinnati Bearcats have found themselves on the brink of opportunity. As they prepare for their matchup against the DePaul Blue Demons in the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament, scheduled for April 1, 2025, all eyes are on the Bearcats' performance and prospects for the future.
The Bearcats, sporting an 18-15 record, have faced challenges this season yet remain in contention for a title in this new postseason event. Cincinnati's journey through the current college basketball landscape has been a dramatic affair. They finished with a strong 50% win rate and demonstrated their capabilities with significant performances during the regular season, such as outplaying teams like Arizona State and UCF.
The College Basketball Crown, a new tournament designed to complement the NCAA postseason, features a bracket of 16 teams across seven conferences, including the Big 12, Big East, and others. This year's inaugural tournament will unfold in Las Vegas from March 31 through April 6, 2025, broadcasting on FOX and FS1. Cincinnati’s first game pits them against DePaul, which posted a 14-19 record this season.
“Even if it’s not exactly where you would choose to be or what the goal is, you should be grateful for the opportunity to compete,” said Bearcats head coach Wes Miller during his final radio show of the season. He echoed the sentiments of a team that, despite missing out on an NCAA Tournament berth, is ready to seize this opportunity. The Bearcats finished their previous season with a record matching Miller's first at the university (18-15) and are poised to make a statement in Las Vegas.
Interestingly, the Bearcats did better than a number of NCAA tournament teams in several key metrics. They maintained a NET ranking of 50, which, while not sufficient to secure an NCAA bid, was notably higher than several teams that did qualify. West Virginia, for instance, made the tournament despite having six Quadrant 1 wins, two more than many other qualifying teams.
Cincinnati's performance this season has not gone unnoticed. Despite their failure to qualify for March Madness, they have a compelling roster that out-performed various teams from more recognized conferences including the ACC and Big Ten. The Bearcats managed to surpass teams like Nebraska, Iowa, and even some teams from the evergreen ACC, who finished with lower rankings.
Looking ahead to their upcoming games, the Bearcats will need to leverage their earlier successes, including victories against lower-tier teams, to build momentum for the tournament. DePaul is ranked low with a 119 NET and an abysmal record against Quadrant 1 opponents, making them vulnerable.
Statistics paint a clear picture of the contrasting conditions between the Bearcats and the Blue Demons. Cincinnati averages 70.5 points scored per game compared to DePaul’s 72.8 but maintains a superior defensive record, allowing only 65.7 points per game to DePaul’s 74.2. This statistical edge could be crucial when they face off in Las Vegas.
In terms of key players to watch, Cincinnati will look to Jizzle James, who leads the team with an average of 12.8 points per game, along with Dillon Mitchell and Simas Lukosius to make impactful contributions. While DePaul's C.J. Gunn is their standout player, the Bearcats look to nullify threats from him along with Isaiah Rivera and Layden Blocker.
With the new College Basketball Crown unfolding, the tournament aims to provide a unique experience similar to the NIT but with a contemporary twist, including prospective monetary incentives for teams and players. The potential for NIL payouts is particularly enticing, with reports suggesting a six-figure sum awaiting the winners.
The pathway to success for Cincinnati lies in their ability to harness the spirit of competition and transform their recent disappointments into fuel for success. With Coach Miller urging his players to stay focused and embrace this opportunity, Bearcats fans are hopeful for a strong showing in what promises to be an electrifying, action-packed week in Vegas.
As the College Basketball Crown draws near, the anticipation within the Cincinnati baseball community grows, and fans eagerly await the tipping point at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 1, 2025. With a mix of optimism and determination, the Bearcats prepare to leave their mark in this new venture while setting their sights on future prospects.
