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Cincinnati Bearcats basketball tips off their 2024-25 campaign vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff

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Cincinnati Bearcats basketball tips off their 2024-25 campaign vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff


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After a Midnight Madness atmosphere in the CareSource Charity Classic vs. Ohio State over two weeks ago, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball team plays a game that counts Monday night, facing Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Fifth Third Arena.

Coming off the high of defeating the Buckeyes in a charity exhibition and the low of falling to Pitt in a controlled “secret” scrimmage, Wes Miller is as excited as many fans to see what the men in red and black have to offer in 2024-25.

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The Bearcats were picked No. 6 of 16 teams in the Big 12 and the five teams ahead of them are all in the first 10 of the Top 25 in both the AP and USA TODAY Preseason polls. Texas Tech, BYU and Kansas State also received votes in both polls and Arizona State received votes in the AP tally.

“I’m always grateful when I walk out of that tunnel that I coach at Cincinnati,” Miller said. “There’s a lot of people that care. Every time I run out of that tunnel I don’t ever take it for granted. I appreciate the people that are in their seats screaming and cheering for us.”

Come on feel the noise

Miller says Fifth Third Arena is one of the best environments in college basketball. At his weekly press conference, he implored fans to continue their vocal support this season but to do it even better.

New Cincinnati Bearcats forward Dillon Mitchell, who played here for Texas last January, says the crowd can definitely be a factor to an opposing team not familiar with the territory.

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“I’m excited to be able to play in front of these fans,” Mitchell said. “I’m telling y’all, when they’re out there and they’re loud, it is frightening for the opposing team. They’re going to help us win games this year.”

Is Day Day Thomas day-to-day for the Cincinnati Bearcats?

The senior point guard who started all 35 games he played in last season injured his foot before he was to fly to Kansas City as part of the UC representation (Oct. 22) at Big 12 media days. He has since returned to basketball activities, but did not participate in the Pitt “secret scrimmage.”

“We’re just not going to go from zero to 100,” Miller said. “He’s shooting. I don’t know if he’s going to miss time or not. You have to have depth in college basketball. That was important to us as we were putting our roster together. We have depth. There’s a number of guys who collectively should be able to fill a void, but no doubt about it, I’ll feel a lot better if Day Day’s playing.”

3 keys for Cincinnati Bearcats to beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions

1. Get the kinks out early, play with controlled chaos

It would be somewhat normal for an early game to be sloppy. UC should expect sloppiness early, then adapt to the surroundings. Miller would prefer to play faster this season, so the expectation should be to frazzle the opponent, not be frazzled. What confuses the Golden Lions should appear to be another day at the office for the Bearcats. That said, last year’s UAPB team averaged over 80 points a game, so it’s not like they’ll throw it around for 30 seconds a possession.

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2. Never take an opponent lightly

As CBS insider Jon Rothstein often writes early in the season, it can be the “epitome of brutality” losing a game to someone you essentially paid to defeat. Nine of Pine Bluff’s first 11 games are road pay days which include games at Tulsa, USF, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Texas. If you don’t want to be included in the “Buster Douglas beat Mike Tyson” category, take care of business.

3. Leave the court unassisted

With Tyler McKinley already out for the year with a knee injury and Thomas aggravating a previous foot injury, healthy bodies are essential. Imperative to a team’s success is the ability to walk off the court on their own two feet.

Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions

Tip: 7 p.m.

TV/Radio: ESPN+/700WLW

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Series: UC leads 5-0 (Bearcats last won 105-49 Nov. 27, 2018)

Scouting report Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB)

Record: 13-18 (8-10 SWAC) last season

Coach: Solomon Bozeman (fourth season, 30-63)

Offense: 80.1 ppg last season

Defense: 81.8 ppg last season

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Projected starting lineup

(Position, Height, Stats)

Robert Lewis (F, 6’9″, 4.2 ppg last season)

Klemen Vuga (F, 6’9″, 2.3 ppg at Monmouth last season)

Zach Reinhart (G, 6’6″, 1.9 ppg last season)

Trejon Ware (G, 5’9″, 3.4 ppg last season)

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Christian Moore (G, 5’11”, 1.3 ppg at North Texas last season)

Cincinnati Bearcats scouting report

Record: 22-15 (7-11 Big 12) last season

Coach: Wes Miller (fourth season, 63-43 at UC, 248-178 overall)

Offense: 74.7 ppg

Defense: 68.2 ppg

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Projected starting lineup

(Position, Height, Stats)

Dillon Mitchell (F. 6’8″, 9.6 ppg at Texas last season)

Aziz Bandaogo (C, 7′, 6.6 ppg last season)

Simas Lukošius (G, 6’8″, 11.8 ppg last season)

Dan Skillings Jr. (G, 6’6″, 12.9 ppg last season)

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Jizzle James (G, 6’3″, 8.8 ppg last season)

Players to watch

Monmouth transfer Klemen Vuga is a 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward who two seasons ago averaged 9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds at Monmouth and had a high game of 29 points vs. North Carolina A&T. He was on the 2021-22 Monmouth squad that knocked off UC 61-59 in November of that season but did not play in the game.

The Bearcats saw Dillon Mitchell go a perfect 6-for-6 from the field to finish with 12 points and seven rebounds against Ohio State. They also made 10 of their 26 3-pointerswith Simas Lukošius and Jizzle James both hitting a pair.

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James seems to have improved defensively, which will help the team.

“To get to the next level, you’ve got to play both sides,” James said. “In this conference (Big 12) you’ve got to be a dog on defense. This is the best defensive conference.”

If Thomas doesn’t play, look for Bradley transfer Connor Hickman and holdover C.J Fredrick to get key minutes. Hickman averaged 14.5 points for Bradley and scored 14 against UC in the NIT. He shot over 40% from three-point range last season, while Fredrick hit nearly 43%.

Rankings

NCAA NET: Cincinnati No. 37 last season, UAPB No. 328

KenPom.com: Cincinnati is No. 17, UAPB No. 355

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Arkansas football vs Louisiana Tech: Scouting report, prediction for Week 13 game

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Arkansas football vs Louisiana Tech: Scouting report, prediction for Week 13 game


After three weeks standing on the verge of bowl eligibility, Arkansas football has its best opportunity to secure a spot in college football’s postseason this weekend against Louisiana Tech.

The Razorbacks (5-5) will host the Bulldogs (4-6) on Saturday (3 p.m., SECN+). Twenty players are projected to take part in Senior Day festivities as Arkansas closes out its home schedule in 2024.

The Hogs are coming off back-to-back losses inside Reynolds Razorback Stadium, most recently falling to Texas 20-10. Arkansas’ offense couldn’t muster enough production across the first two quarters as a comeback bid fell short against the Longhorns.

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Louisiana Tech, meanwhile, is coming off its biggest win of the season. The Bulldogs beat conference rival Western Kentucky 12-7, knocking the Hilltoppers out of first place in Conference USA.

Here are four things to watch and a score prediction for Saturday’s contest between Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.

Arkansas football must get off to a fast start

The best way to prevent an upset is to eliminate any hope. Arkansas didn’t do that against UAB in September, and the Razorbacks came out of the gates slow last year in this same spot against FIU. They eventually won both games, but the final scores were closer than desired.

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“We’re trying to live up to the Arkansas standard, and that results in executing on the field. And if we don’t live up to that, then we’re going to see a similar slow start,” Arkansas offensive lineman Josh Braun said. “So that’s what we’re focused on this week, just starting fast and playing our brand of football.”

Take care of the football

This is arguably the biggest key for Arkansas every weekend. The Razorbacks are 0-5 when they lose the turnover battle this season, and two costly giveaways spoiled any chance at an upset last week against Texas.

Fortunately for Arkansas, Louisiana Tech ranks 111th in the country in turnover margin. The Bulldogs are averaging nearly two turnovers a game, so this might be an opportune matchup for the Hogs’ defense.

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Control the running game on both sides

The Bulldogs have struggled on the ground all season, and they’ve won both games in which they rushed for more than 150 yards. By contrast, they are 2-6 when held under that mark.

Arkansas’ running defense has been strong throughout the year. Only two opponents have averaged more than 4 yards per carry, and the Razorbacks should be able to keep Louisiana Tech running backs Omiri Wiggins and Amani Givens in check.

On the flip side, Arkansas needs to commit to running the football early and stay vigilant with Ja’Quinden Jackson. Relying on the pass too heavily proved a mistake in the first half against Texas, and look for Bobby Petrino to adjust.

All eyes on Tru Edwards

Edwards, a senior wide receiver, is by far Louisiana Tech’s most dangerous weapon. He has four games this season with more than 100 yards receiving and leads the team with six touchdowns.

He’s a big-play threat who will require the full focus of the Arkansas defense. The Razorbacks’ secondary will try to maintain its momentum after holding Quinn Ewers and Isaiah Bond in check last week.

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Prediction

Louisiana Tech is better than its record indicates, but there is still a gulf in talent between the two rosters. If Arkansas handles its own business and avoids sloppy turnovers, it should have no problem securing bowl eligibility Saturday. An upset loss would be unacceptable. Arkansas 38, Louisiana Tech 13.



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Calipari Faces at Arkansas He Must Learn He Will Never Defeat

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Calipari Faces at Arkansas He Must Learn He Will Never Defeat


FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A lot has been made of the poor a attendance at Arkansas Razorbacks basketball games this season. 

However, while it’s been somewhat embarrassing at times, it’s not entirely on Razorbacks fans. It’s not  anyone’s fault technically. It’s more of a case of a schedule having to be made hastily before there was an opportunity to get to know the nuances of The Natural State.

One thing that is hard for the people of Arkansas to realize without moving away for some extended period of time is how unique the especially close relationship with the local church and the commitment this state’s citizens have to it actually is.

Scheduling the rest of life around church as a non-negotiable is expected. Playing organized sports on Sundays is still still frowned upon in much of the state, as are hunting and fishing in some cases.

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Church comes first, whether it be Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night or revival week. Youth league coaches can find themselves pariahs for scheduling practices on Wednesday nights for this very reason. 

That’s why excessively low attendance for Wednesday night games shouldn’t be as shocking to those who live here as opposed to people looking from the outside in.

See, one of the biggest adjustments to living outside of Arkansas is the extreme lack of Wednesday night church services. Same goes for revivals.

They’re just not a thing throughout much of the rest of the country, even in states that claim to really be into God. It’s even hard to find legitimate Sunday night services.

At best, there will be a youth program parents use as an excuse for a quick date night. So, that’s why it’s not surprising a coaching staff that didn’t grow up here might think nothing of lining up games on Wednesday nights expecting to get decent weeknight crowds.

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However, what happens instead is much smaller crowds that make Hogs fans look disinterested at best. That’s just not likely the case.

They’re interested. Just not until the devotional has been read, the sermon has been preached and the invitation has been sung.

As soon as they get in the parking lot, the first thing they do is turn on the radio and try to catch up with what they have missed. It might seem strange to those from other states, but the priorities are right.

It may look bad on TV, but God, family and then the Razorbacks is the correct order 

It’s a minor mistake in scheduling that is easily forgiven and eventually rectified. After all, the seats are still sold out and there are more important things involved in life.

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• Indications are Texas may have played with its food against Arkansas

• Razorbacks might have played role as playoff spoiler

• Does Petrino offense still work for Razorbacks? | 4th and 5

• Razorbacks still looking forward to potential bowl, sending seniors off right

• Calipari remains confident with seven Hogs’ rotation players

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Arkansas (AAA) high school football playoffs: 2024 brackets, Round 2 matchups, game times

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Arkansas (AAA) high school football playoffs: 2024 brackets, Round 2 matchups, game times


The Arkansas high school football playoffs are on to Round 2, where several teams will start their postseason quest for a state championship after earning Round 1 byes.

The postseason in Class 2A through 7A plus the 8-man division started last week.

Bryant, Fayetteville, Bentonville and Conway are the 7A teams that will kick off their playoff run in Round 2 this week.

>>Arkansas high school football playoff brackets

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Stick with High School on SI for all of the matchups, game times and scores throughout the 2024 Arkansas (AAA) football playoffs.

Here are the Arkansas high school football playoff brackets, with matchups and game times, plus second-round matchups:

Second-round matchups

Bryant vs. Cabot

7 p.m. Friday

Pulaski Academy vs. Fayetteville

7 p.m. Friday

Bentonville vs. Bentonville West

7 p.m. Friday

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Rogers vs. Conway

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 7A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

El Dorado vs. Greenwood

7 p.m. Friday

Mountain Home vs. Catholic

7 p.m. Friday

Lake Hamilton vs. Benton

7 p.m. Friday

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Shiloh Christian vs. Van Buren

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 6A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Valley View vs. Morrilton

7 p.m. Friday

Parkview vs. Maumelle

7 p.m. Friday

Robinson vs. Lakeside

7 p.m. Friday

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Farmington vs. Camden Fairview

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 5A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Dardanelle vs. Prairie Grove

7 p.m. Friday

Arkadelphia vs. Gentry

7 p.m. Friday

Heber Springs vs. Southside

7 p.m. Friday

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Monticello vs. Hamburg

7 p.m. Friday

Clinton vs. Mills University

7 p.m. Friday

Warren vs. Pocahontas

7 p.m. Friday

Elkins vs. Mena

7 p.m. Friday

Malvern vs. Highland

7 p.m. Friday

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2024 AAA Class 4A high school football bracket

Second-round matchups

Bismarck vs. Atkins

7 p.m. Friday

Osceola vs. Charleston

7 p.m. Friday

Fordyce vs. Jessieville

7 p.m. Friday

Booneville vs. Mayflower

7 p.m. Friday

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Glen Rose vs. Dumas

7 p.m. Friday

Mansfield vs. Newport

7 p.m. Friday

Salem vs. Prescott

7 p.m. Friday

Rivercrest vs. Rison

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 3A high school football bracket

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Second-round matchups

Murfreesboro vs. Mount Ida

7 p.m. Friday

East Poinsett County vs. Bigelow

7 p.m. Friday

Conway Christian vs. Des Arc

7 p.m. Friday

Carlisle vs. Junction City

7 p.m. Friday

2024 AAA Class 2A high school football bracket

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2024 AAA 8-man high school football bracket

To get live updates on your phone — as well as follow your favorite teams and top games — you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App

— Mike Swanson | swanson@scorebooklive | @sblivesports



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