Game 19: BYU Blasts Cincinnati Bearcats 80-52, Toughness And Leadership Questioned After Bearcats Quit

The Cincinnati Bearcats suffered a crushing defeat against BYU, losing 80-52 in what can only be described as a disappointing performance. As a long-time Bearcats fan, it's hard to watch this team struggle so mightily, especially given the high expectations we had coming into the season.

Wes Miller's coaching has come under scrutiny, and rightfully so. The team's inability to break down BYU's zone defense was particularly frustrating. It seemed like the players were lost on the court, unable to execute any semblance of an offensive game plan. This isn't just a one-off performance; it's been a recurring theme throughout the season.

The shooting woes continue to plague the Bearcats. Outside of Simas, who hit four three-pointers, the team shot an abysmal 1-for-16 from beyond the arc. Jizzle James, in particular, has struggled with his shot, often forcing up ill-advised attempts that have little chance of going in.

What's most concerning is the lack of progress we've seen from this team. With a roster full of experienced players and highly-touted recruits like Dillon Mitchell, we expected to see significant improvement. Instead, we're witnessing a team that looks worse than last year's squad.

The defensive effort, which has been a hallmark of Cincinnati basketball for years, was non-existent against BYU. Allowing a team to shoot 62% from three-point range is unacceptable for any program, let alone one with Cincinnati's defensive pedigree.

As we look ahead to the rest of the season, it's hard to find many positives. The upcoming game against Utah feels like a must-win, but given our recent performances, it's difficult to be optimistic. The Madsen twins, former John Brannen recruits, will be looking to exact some revenge against their old program.

While it's easy to get caught up in the negativity, we must remember that this is still a young season. There's time for the team to turn things around, but it will require significant adjustments from both the coaching staff and players.

For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bearcats' struggles, tune into the Chatterbox Bearcats podcast for this and much more.

Other Topics in Today's Chatterbox Bearcats Podcast:

• Analysis of individual player performances

• Discussion on potential roster changes and recruiting needs

• Comparison to past Cincinnati teams and their struggles

• Fan reactions and calls from listeners