In an exciting early-season matchup, the University of Dayton Flyers will visit the University of Cincinnati Bearcats on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. This eagerly awaited game marks the first contest between these two rivals at an on-campus arena since 2010 when Dayton emerged victorious 81-66 in the second round of the NIT. Dayton heads into the game with a strong start, holding a 2-0 record after dominating Canisius 88-48 and narrowly defeating Maryland, Baltimore County 77-71.
Paying homage to their longstanding rivalry, Dayton coach Anthony Grant expressed enthusiasm for the matchup, noting the importance of the game for both schools. “I think it’s great for both schools,” he said. “This is the next rendition of the game. I’m really grateful that they’re willing to continue the series. It should be a great atmosphere.”
Cincinnati, under head coach Wes Miller, also enters with a 2-0 record after recent wins, including a 74-64 victory over Georgia State. Miller shared his perspective on the value of facing strong opponents like Dayton, emphasizing the importance of challenging games for building a resilient team. “We should all be playing each other. That’s more fun for the fans. The environments are better,” he remarked.
Historically, Cincinnati leads the rivalry 61-32, with a significant portion of their wins occurring before 1960. The teams have met consistently from 1954 until the mid-1990s, creating a rich shared history. In recent encounters, Dayton lost 66-59 to Cincinnati in December of last year but previously claimed an 82-68 victory in their first matchup since 2005.
Cincinnati, currently facing challenges in securing NCAA tournament berths, has seen a notable drop in success in recent years, failing to qualify since 2019. With a projected finish of eighth in the Big 12 this season, the Bearcats are eager to cement their status in the conference and turn the tide of recent underperformances.
The Bearcats feature standout players like 6-foot-11 senior forward Baba Miller, who has started the season strong, alongside sophomores Moustapha Thiam and freshman standout Shon Abaev. After struggling from beyond the arc in their last game, Cincinnati will be looking to improve their shooting efficiency against a gritty Dayton team.
Dayton, ranked 60th in the latest projections, finds itself with a 29% chance of overcoming Cincinnati, as predicted by KenPom.com, which forecasts a tight contest with a final score of 74-68 in favor of the Bearcats. Cincinnati has also been formidable at home, boasting a 22-game winning streak in non-conference matchups.
With both teams eager to assert their dominance, fans can expect an exhilarating atmosphere at Fifth Third Arena. The rivalry promises excitement and drama as local pride and competitive spirit fuel the action on the court.