On a crisp Tuesday night, Wes Miller and his Cincinnati Men’s Basketball squad are set to journey to Terra Haute, Indiana, for a pivotal clash against Indiana State in the NIT quarterfinals.
Indiana State has had a remarkable season, boasting a 28-5 record in the regular season before a narrow defeat to Drake in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship halted their march. Despite this setback and the predictions of many bracketologists, the Sycamores found themselves on the outside looking in at the NCAA Tournament.
Historically, Cincinnati has dominated the series with Indiana State, leading 11-1. However, it’s been nearly four decades since these two teams last met in 1986. A victory for Cincinnati would mark their first against a team with over 30 wins since their triumph over Houston in the 2019 AAC Championship, where they emerged victorious with a score of 69-57.
It’s important to highlight that Indiana State boasts an impressive 15-1 home record this season, entering this game as three-point favorites according to betting lines.
Key Players for Indiana State
The Sycamores’ offense is a force to be reckoned with, featuring all five starters averaging double figures in scoring. Leading the charge is the 6-foot-10 center Robbie Avila, whose game has attracted national attention, earning him the nicknames “Cream Abdul Jabbar” and “College Nikola Jokic.” Avila leads his team in scoring, with averages close to 17 points and six rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility as a three-level scoring threat with impressive shooting splits of 54%/38%/82%. His presence on the court will be a significant challenge for Cincinnati’s frontcourt players like Aziz Bandaogo and Jamille Reynolds. Avila’s performance is often a barometer for Indiana State’s success, as evidenced by his scoring in single digits only four times this season.
The backcourt duo of Ryan Conwell and Isaiah Swope, both averaging nearly 16 points per game, adds depth to Indiana State’s scoring prowess. Conwell’s matchup with John Newman III promises to be a highlight, offering Newman a chance to showcase his perimeter defense against Conwell’s sharpshooting, which stands at nearly 42% from beyond the arc.
Cincinnati Players to Watch
Freshman sensation Jizzle James is coming off a career-best performance against Bradley, where he logged 38 minutes and scored 25 points. This upcoming game presents an opportunity for James to deliver back-to-back dynamic performances for the first time in his collegiate career.
John Newman III is poised for another standout defensive game, having shown his prowess throughout the 2023-2024 season. His ability to contain a scorer of Conwell’s caliber could prove pivotal in this contest.
The stakes are high as Tuesday night’s winner will advance to the NIT Semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
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