The Cincinnati Bearcats delivered a memorable performance on Sunday, February 15, staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the Utah Utes 69-65 at Fifth Third Arena. This victory marked the team's third consecutive win in Big 12 conference play and represented a breakthrough moment for a squad that had struggled to close out tight games throughout the season.
The dramatic finish saw the Bearcats overcome a five-point deficit in the final two minutes, scoring the game's last nine points to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. With just 1:56 remaining on the clock, Utah held a seemingly comfortable 65-60 lead, putting Cincinnati in a position where they had been winless in eleven previous attempts this season. The team's inability to secure victories when trailing late in games had become a concerning pattern, making this triumph particularly significant for head coach Wes Miller and his players.
The turning point came during a decisive 9-0 run that left the visiting team stunned and the home crowd of 9,988 fans erupting in celebration. Senior forward Baba Miller provided the go-ahead basket with a powerful dunk with only 40 seconds remaining, giving the Bearcats their first lead since the early stages of the second half. From there, Cincinnati's defense tightened, forcing Utah into difficult shots while converting crucial free throws to seal the improbable victory.
Coach Miller expressed mixed emotions after the game, acknowledging his team's imperfect performance while praising their resilience. "We didn't play our best basketball at all," Miller admitted candidly. "But, I'm really proud of how we finished. That's a character win for us. We've been in that position a number of times and we found a way, a 9-0 run to win the game. I'm extremely proud of our players." The victory improved Miller's record to just 2-60 in games where his team trailed with two minutes remaining, highlighting how rare and precious these comeback wins have been during his tenure.
The heroics were fueled by several standout individual performances, most notably the return of 7-foot-2 sophomore center Moustapha Thiam. After missing the previous game at Kansas State due to an ankle injury, Thiam made an immediate impact with a dominant double-double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while adding four blocked shots. His presence in the paint provided the Bearcats with the interior presence they had lacked in his absence.
Thiam's effectiveness was particularly remarkable given the coaching staff's concerns about his health. Miller revealed the anxiety surrounding Thiam's return, stating, "Mou was very good coming off the tweak to the ankle. Jalen Haynes is practicing now, and I said, 'Get Jalen Haynes away from Mou!' We were so scared he'd reinjure it. I thought he was really good demanding the ball." The sophomore's ability to play through discomfort and contribute at such a high level demonstrated his growing importance to the team's success.
Senior guard Day Day Thomas led all scorers with 16 points, providing steady leadership and clutch scoring when the team needed it most. His experience and composure during the frantic final minutes helped stabilize the young Bearcats roster. Baba Miller's 13 points and seven rebounds showcased his versatility, while freshman guard Keyshuan Tillery chipped in 10 points, marking his emergence as a reliable contributor in conference play.
On the opposing bench, Utah coach Alex Jensen struggled to process how his team let victory slip away. "Hard one for our team having a lead that late and being at the free throw line," Jensen lamented. "Give Cincinnati credit. They made the plays down the stretch." The Utes' inability to convert from the charity stripe in critical moments proved costly, as missed opportunities allowed the Bearcats to stay within striking distance.
Utah forward Keanu Dawes, who finished with 16 points, shared his coach's frustration. "Cincinnati's a very good basketball team, but I think this is one of the games that we kind of let slip out of our hands," Dawes reflected. "We had a few shots at the end to tie the game or win the game." Indeed, Utah's Don McHenry, who led his team with 18 points, had a clean look at a potential game-tying shot in the waning seconds but couldn't convert, sending the Utes to their eleventh conference loss of the season.
The victory improved Cincinnati's overall record to 14-12, with a 6-7 mark in Big 12 play. More importantly, it represented their first three-game winning streak since opening the season with four straight victories in November. In conference play, this marks the first time the Bearcats have won three consecutive games, having previously defeated UCF on the road before taking down BYU and now Utah at home.
For a program still adjusting to the rigors of Big 12 competition in just their second season in the conference, this streak provides a much-needed boost of confidence. The Bearcats have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year but have struggled with consistency against the league's elite programs. Finding ways to win close games has been their biggest challenge, making this comeback potentially transformative for the team's psyche.
To match last season's regular-season win total of 19, Cincinnati must now win three of their final five games. The schedule presents a mixed bag, with only two home games remaining against Oklahoma State and BYU, while road trips to Texas Tech, TCU, and West Virginia loom large. Each contest carries significant weight for the team's postseason aspirations, as a strong finish could secure a more favorable seed in the Big 12 tournament.
Last year's squad finished 19-16 overall, adding a Big 12 tournament victory over Oklahoma State and a win in the Crown tournament over DePaul. While this year's team has struggled to replicate that success, the current three-game winning streak suggests they may be peaking at the right time. The return of key players from injury and the development of young talent have created optimism that this group can make a late-season push.
The injury situation remains a concern for Cincinnati, though Sunday's game provided some positive updates. While Thiam successfully returned to action, the team continues to monitor several other key contributors. Shon Abaev and Kerr Kriisa, both listed as doubtful before tip-off, did not dress for the game. Jalen Haynes, who has begun practicing in limited capacity, remains sidelined with no immediate plans to return this season. The coaching staff is taking a cautious approach with all injured players, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.
Thiam's successful return can be attributed to the diligent work of the medical staff, particularly Senior Associate AD and Head Basketball Athletic Trainer Bob Mangine. The sophomore center credited Mangine's daily treatment sessions for his rapid recovery. "Bob's been taking care of me, working with me in the training room every single day," Thiam explained. "He's been doing a really good job taking care of us." The relationship between player and trainer has become crucial as the Bearcats navigate the physical demands of conference play.
The significance of this victory extends beyond the box score. For a team that had been 0-11 when trailing with two minutes remaining, breaking that psychological barrier could open the door for future comeback attempts. The experience of executing under pressure, of believing that no deficit is insurmountable, can transform a team's identity. Coach Miller understands this better than anyone, having watched his team come up short in similar situations repeatedly this season.
The Bearcats' defensive intensity during the final 1:56 was particularly impressive. After allowing Utah to score 65 points through the first 38 minutes, Cincinnati clamped down completely, forcing turnovers and contested shots while protecting the rim with Thiam's shot-blocking presence. This defensive stand, combined with efficient offensive execution, created the perfect storm for the comeback.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, every possession becomes more critical. The Big 12 standings remain tightly packed, with several teams jockeying for position and hoping to avoid the opening round of the conference tournament. Cincinnati's current 6-7 conference record puts them in the middle of that pack, but a strong finish could elevate them several seed lines and provide a more manageable path in postseason play.
The development of young players like Thiam and Tillery bodes well for the program's future, but their contributions are needed immediately if the Bearcats hope to maximize their potential this season. The veteran leadership of Thomas and Miller has been instrumental in keeping the team focused through adversity, and their experience will be invaluable during the challenging road games ahead.
Sunday's victory over Utah will be remembered as a turning point if Cincinnati can build on this momentum. The combination of a healthy roster, growing confidence, and proven ability to win close games creates an intriguing possibility for a team that has been searching for its identity all season. The Bearcats have shown they can compete with anyone in the conference; now they must prove they can do it consistently.
The final five games will define this team's legacy. Will they fade down the stretch, or will they continue this remarkable run and exceed expectations? Based on their performance against Utah, the Bearcats have the talent, coaching, and now the belief to make some noise in the Big 12 tournament. The comeback win didn't just add another tally in the victory column—it may have awakened a sleeping giant.