Three Keys: Baylor at Cincinnati

Cincinnati (16-11, 6-10) returns to action Tuesday night for a quick turnaround against Baylor, following Saturday's 75-63 win over TCU.

The Bearcats placed four in double figures in the win, including a double-double by Dillon Mitchell, who finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds.

Scott Drew brings his Baylor Bears (16-11, 8-8 Big 12) to Fifth Third Arena trying to rebound from a 76-74 upset loss at Colorado. Baylor enters Tuesday night having lost 6-of-8 games on the road, including four straight.

Baylor defeated Cincinnati 68-48 when the two teams met in Waco on January 7th.

"It starts in practice and just getting prepared, watching the film, seeing what our weaknesses was that game, trying to correct it," Dillon Mitchell explained when asked what the Bearcats need to do differently in the rematch. "I think that's where it all starts (practice). Just get prepared for Baylor, like I said, looking at our weaknesses, see what we got to do better for the next game and taking it personal."

Baylor led 35-20 at the half during the first meeting and cruised during the second half, extending their lead to as many as 21 points. 

The Bears are currently 30th in both the NCAA Net rankings, as well as Kenpom's ratings.

Baylor by the numbers:

• Adjusted Offensive Efficiency-122.2 (13th)
• Adjusted Defensive Efficiency- 101.6 (65th)
• Effective field goal percentage: 52.2 (112th)
• Offensive Turnover percentage: 16.2 (97th)
• Defensive turnover percentage: 19.5 (71st)
• Offensive rebound percentage: 35.3 (30th)
• Offensive 3P percentage: 35.3 (96th)
• FT percentage: 75.4 (74th)
• Offensive steal percentage: 8.7 (74th)
• Defensive steal percentage: 11.2 (64th)

Here are the three keys to a Cincinnati victory:

1. Consistent effort and balance

The Bearcats had a segment during the first game where they went 7+ minutes without a field goal. That stretch allowed Baylor to extend their lead from four points with 8:09 remaining to 15 points at the half . That simply can't happen in a Big 12 game, especially on the road, if you want to win. UC will have to find a way to get in transition, play fast, and put pressure on the defense. 

2. Stars have to show up

Jizzle James (5 points) , Dillon Mitchell (0 points), Simas Lukosius (5 pts), and Day Day Thomas (6 points) were a combined 6-of-26 from the field. Josh Reed was also limited to 2 points in three minutes. If it weren't for Dan Skillings getting hot from outside (5-of-7) on his way to an 18-point night, this game could have been much worse. UC will have to get consistency from their primary guys and find a way to continue to play with the type off offensive consistency that has led to four wins in Big 12 play over the last six. It is still unclear if Simas Lukosius will play as he continues to nurse a shoulder injury. 

3. Defend the paint

UC was out-scored 40-16 in the paint and turned the ball over 15 times, resulting in 13 points off turnovers by the Bears. Baylor consistently got downhill and in the lane, converting 9-of-14 attempts on layups and dunks. Norchas Omier (18 pts, 10 rbs) was a problem for the Bearcats, along with fellow big man Josh Ojianwuna (10 pts, 7 rbs). Freshman VJ Edgecombe also got in the lane consistently for points around the rim, finishing with 18 points. Baylor is one of the worst teams in the country at defending the three. UC made 8-of-23 in Waco and will have to knock down any open looks they get in this rematch. 

Baylor Players to know:

Final Thoughts:

Baylor is reeling, having lost back-to-back games, but will come in hungry with their tournament hopes starting to come in question. Whichever team wants it more and does the little things like rebounding and converting second chance opportunities will likely come out on top. 

Cincinnati has a real opportunity to throw their name back in the bubble conversation. A win against Baylor would go a long way in solidifying that argument. UC is currently a 2.5 point favorite with the over/under set at 139.5.