- Matchup: BYU Cougars vs Cincinnati Bearcats
- Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Venue: Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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The Cincinnati Bearcats (15-13) are set to face off against the BYU Cougars (20-8) at Fifth Third Arena this Tuesday.
In their previous game, the BYU Cougars faced West Virginia, suffering a defeat with a final score of 79-71. BYU achieved a field goal percentage of 47.1% (24 of 51) and made 9 out of 24 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they converted 14 of 19 shots, yielding a percentage of 73.7%. On the boards, they secured 26 rebounds, including 5 on the offensive end, and provided 10 assists while forcing 7 turnovers and nabbing 7 steals. Defensively, BYU allowed West Virginia to shoot 43.5% from the field, allowing them to score 27 field goals out of 62 attempts. West Virginia dished out 17 assists and had 6 steals. On the boards, they gathered 35 rebounds (16 offensive, 19 defensive) and shot 77.3% from the free-throw line, making 17 of 22 shots. The Cougars registered 18 personal fouls, compared to West Virginia’s 15.
One standout for the Cougars was Robert Wright III, who contributed significantly with 23 points on 7 of 15 shooting, achieving 46.7% from the field. He played the full game, recording 4 rebounds and handing out 4 assists.
BYU enters this matchup boasting a strong record of 20-8 this season. They average 10.6 turnovers and commit about 15.6 fouls per game. As a unit, BYU is averaging 39.0 rebounds per contest and has amassed 399 assists this season, ranking them 195th nationally. The Cougars are shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc (247 of 702) and 74.6% from the free-throw line. Offensively, they are scoring an average of 85.5 points per game, ranking 20th in the nation, while shooting 48.0% from the field.
Defensively, the Cougars force 11.5 turnovers per game and are drawing around 18.8 personal fouls. They allow opponents to shoot 34.2% from three-point range and are ranked 263rd in points allowed per game (75.1). The Cougars’ defense permits opponents a field-goal percentage of 43.9% (762 out of 1,736) and average 34.2 rebounds per game as a team, ranking 263rd nationally in assists allowed, with 415.
In their last outing, the Cincinnati Bearcats secured a commanding victory over Oklahoma State with a score of 91-68. On the boards, Cincinnati allowed Oklahoma State to claim 29 rebounds (4 offensively). They accomplished a shooting percentage of 33.3% from three-point land, making 7 of 21 attempts, and excelled at the free-throw line with 85.0%, converting 17 of 20 shot attempts. Defensively, they held Oklahoma State to a 40.7% shooting performance, allowing them to make 22 of 54 field-goal attempts. Overall, the Bearcats shot 47.1% from the field, going 33 for 70. From 3-point distance, Cincinnati knocked down 14 of 34 attempts (41.2%). This performance led to the Bearcats taking 15 free throw attempts after Oklahoma State committed 12 fouls. Additionally, Cincinnati forced 8 turnovers and grabbed 27 defensive rebounds and 11 offensive rebounds for a total of 38 rebounds in the game.
Day Day Thomas was a pivotal player for the Bearcats, contributing 26 points in 29 minutes played along with 2 assists. He achieved an impressive shooting rate of 58.3%, making 7 of 12 shots, and added 2 rebounds to his stats.
Currently, Cincinnati holds a win-loss record of 15-13 this season. Their offensive efficiency sees them shooting at 42.9% from the field, ranking 307th nationally. They have scored a total of 2,031 points this year, averaging 72.5 points per game while securing 36.8 rebounds per contest. The Bearcats dish out 16.1 assists per game (59th in the nation) and average 11.8 turnovers per contest. They also commit 16.0 personal fouls per game while converting 67.7% from the free-throw line.
Defensively, Cincinnati ranks 33rd in points allowed per game (67.5) and forces opponents into 13.0 turnovers on average. Their defense restricts opponents to a 41.5% shooting percentage from the field (50th nationally) and allows 31.9% on three-point attempts (210 of 658). Additionally, opposing teams convert 70.5% at the free-throw line. They yield 13.1 assists and 34.8 rebounds per game, placing them 157th and 214th respectively in Division 1.
Who’s poised to triumph in tonight’s battle against the spread?
Prediction: Back BYU
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