Things couldn't have started any better for the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team under first-year head coach Wes Miller.
After building bridges to former players and high-level recruits during the offseason, Miller has led a new-look Bearcats squad to a 3-0 start.
More:What we learned: Bearcats use big second half to improve to 3-0 under Wes Miller
In order to complete its season-opening, four-game homestand and begin the Hall of Fame Classic next week in Kansas City, Missouri, a perfect 4-0, Cincinnati will need to get past a Presbyterian team that Miller warned is "really good."
"Presbyterian may not have the name, but from what I've seen ... they've had some good wins," he said. "They're a good basketball club, so we've got to play a little bit better on Thursday night."
After an 11-point loss at Clemson in its season opener, Presbyterian bounced back with consecutive overtime victories over the Virginia Military Institute and The Citadel.
The Blue Hose will look to capture a third straight win and halt Miller and the Bearcats' early momentum on Thursday.
Miller is looking to become the first coach to win his first four games at UC since Tay Baker in 1965-66.
THE GAME
Tipoff: 7 p.m. on Thursday at Fifth Third Arena.
TV/Radio: ESPN+/WLW-AM (700)
Series info: This is the second meeting between Presbyterian and Cincinnati. The Blue Hose defeated the then-No. 20-ranked Bearcats 56-54 on Nov. 19, 2011, at Fifth Third Arena. It was Presbyterian's first win over a ranked opponent in its history as a Division I program.
SCOUTING REPORT
Presbyterian (2-1)
Coach: Quinton Ferrell, third season (19-38)
Offense: 66.7 ppg
Defense: 68.7 ppg
Projected lineup
Player (Position, Height, Key Stat)
Rayshon Harrison (G, 6'4", 21.7 ppg)
Trevon Reddish-Rhone (G, 6'4", 9 ppg)
Brandon Younger (G, 6'7", 7.3 ppg)
Kobe Stewart (G/F, 6'6", 5.3 ppg)
Winston Hill (F, 6'7", 10.7 rpg)
Cincinnati (3-0)
Coach: Wes Miller, first season (3-0)
Offense: 75.7 ppg
Defense: 59 ppg
Projected lineup
Player (Position, Height, Key Stat)
David DeJulius (G, 6’, 13.3 ppg)
Mika Adams-Woods (G, 6’3”, 4.7 apg)
John Newman III (G, 6’5”, 7 ppg)
Jeremiah Davenport (G, 6'7", 11.3 ppg)
Abdul Ado (F, 6’11”, 14 mpg)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Rayshon Harrison
The Presbyterian sophomore guard is coming off a 21-point, 10-rebound performance Monday in the Blue Hose's 74-70 win over The Citadel in double overtime. It was Harrison's second career double-double. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Greenville, South Carolina, native is averaging a team-high 21.7 points per game and leads the team with 12 assists through the first three games.
Mike Saunders Jr.
Saunders' biggest strength as a player is his speed. Saunders' other strength is his selflessness. Miller asked the 6-foot sophomore to come off the bench this season in favor of starting point guard David DeJulius. Saunders has bought into Miller's plan and is making the most of his opportunity as the leader of the second unit. Saunders had a season-high 14 points Tuesday night against Alabama A&M. Saunders scored seven of his points from the free-throw line, as he continues to use his speed to get to the rim and draw contact. Saunders also had season-highs in rebounds (three) and steals (three).
KEY TO THE GAME
Free throws
Cincinnati put away Alabama A&M on Tuesday with great team defense and timely shot-making. The Bearcats also made their free throws. UC made 13 of its 14 foul shots in the second half. Presbyterian has plenty of players who can score. If Thursday night's game is close, the Bearcats again will need to knock down their free throws.
RANKINGS
KenPom.com: Presbyterian (260); Cincinnati (105)
RPI: Presbyterian (82); Cincinnati (30)
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