LUBBOCK, Texas — No. 16 Texas Tech overcame a blistering start by Cincinnati to defeat the Bearcats 80-68 Tuesday night at United Supermarkets Arena, extending their Big 12 Conference record to 11-4.
Cincinnati (15-13, 7-8 Big 12) opened the game connecting on their first nine field goal attempts, including four three-pointers, to establish a 23-16 lead midway through the first half. However, the Red Raiders (21-7, 11-4 Big 12) responded with a 15-2 run, fueled by a pair of three-pointers from Donovan Atwell, to grab a 42-34 lead into halftime.
The momentum shift proved decisive. Texas Tech methodically increased its advantage in the second half, ultimately pushing the lead to a game-high 17 points with a Luke Bamgboye layup at the 4:23 mark.
Christian Anderson led the Red Raiders with a dominant performance, scoring 31 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists. The Red Raiders’ size and rebounding prowess proved crucial, as they outrebounded Cincinnati 40-24 including a 28-13 advantage on the defensive end. Texas Tech shot 52% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
Cincinnati was led by sophomore Moustapha Thiam, who recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Celestine added 15 points, while senior Baba Miller and junior Jizzle James each contributed 12 points for the Bearcats. Despite the strong individual performances, Cincinnati struggled to maintain its early shooting efficiency, going just 4-of-21 from the field and 1-of-10 from beyond the arc after their initial hot streak.
UC coach Wes Miller lamented his team’s defensive rebounding, noting the Red Raiders’ 19 second-chance points as a key factor in the loss, according to reporting from Cincinnati.com. “We weren’t able to defend at the level we’re capable of tonight, so I’m disappointed in that,” Miller said.
The loss comes as Texas Tech remains in contention near the top of the Big 12 standings, according to WreckemRed.com, though trailing Arizona for the conference lead. Houston, previously a strong contender, has lost three consecutive games, potentially opening the door for other teams to challenge for the top spot.
Cincinnati returns home to face Oklahoma State at 2 p.m. Saturday at Fifth Third Arena.
