Breaking news: BYU cougars head coach has commit stuns college football with major decision and flip to Michigan over Alabama and auburn tigers…..
College football coaches across the country were impressed by BYU’s 2024 season.
The Cougars came in at No. 14 in the final USA Today Coaches Poll of the season, after being ranked No. 13 in the last AP top 25 poll.
USA Today has released its ballots for the Coaches Poll, showing exactly how each coach used his final vote
Yes, this might feel like a cop-out answer, but it could also be seen as a positive.
The Bearcats have now lost two games in a row, with both opponents scoring more than 80 points — 81 for Texas Tech and 80 for BYU.
“We can’t change what happened tonight,” Miller said. “It’s college basketball. People get their [butts] kicked. It happens. It’s happening more to us than I’d like it to happen, but it happens. You’ve got to respond. We’ll respond.”
Certainly, part of the blame falls on UC’s defense. But when the other team makes 15 three-pointers compared to your five, it’s hard to stay competitive.
With a road matchup against Utah on Tuesday — a team featuring former Bearcat Mason Madsen — the extra time out west could prove beneficial for a struggling UC squad.
Bad: Free throws
Free throws continue to be a recurring issue for the Bearcats.
Cincinnati made only four trips to the free-throw line and converted just one shot.
On a night when the opposing team is dominating offensively and you’re struggling, getting to the charity stripe is essential.
Dillon Mitchell went 0-for-2, and Arrinten Page sank 1-of-2. Getting to the line not only helps slow the opponent’s momentum but can also force their players into foul trouble.
Attempting only four free throws is not “winning basketball.” On an off-shooting night, free throws should be your best friend.
Ugly: Worst loss of the season
Currently 2-6 in Big 12 play, the Bearcats’ two conference wins are against Arizona State and Colorado — the only teams below them in the standings.
In terms of point margin, this is UC’s worst loss since 2022, when they fell to Ohio State 81-53.
However, beyond the numbers, this feels like the worst loss of the season.
With only one double-digit scorer, Simas Lukošius with 14 points, UC struggled to find offensive rhythm. Dan Skillings Jr. exited the game with an eye injury but eventually returned.
The rest of the night was a litany of struggles: a poor shooting performance, a lack of scorers stepping up, Skillings’ injury scare, and just one converted free throw.
So, is this rock bottom?
Certainly, UC has talent. They reached No. 14 in the rankings for a reason earlier this season. But Wes Miller needs to find a way to right the ship soon if the Bearcat
s want a chance at the Big Dance.
