A long-standing rivalry renews Tuesday night when Cincinnati hosts Dayton in the 93rd all-time meeting between the two schools.
The two teams split the last two meetings, both held at Heritage Bank Center in downtown Cincinnati, with the Bearcats prevailing 66-59 last season and Dayton claiming an 82-68 win in 2023. This season, the rivalry moves back to an on-campus rotation.
Tuesday marks the first game between the two schools at an on-campus arena since 2010 when the Flyers beat the Bearcats 81-66 in the second round of the NIT.
The Bearcats (2-0) won their second straight to open the season last Friday with a 74-64 win over Georgia State.
Baba Miller opened the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the Bearcats’ 94-63 victory over Western Carolina on Nov. 3 before registering another double-double (24 points, 11 rebounds) and three blocks on 8-of-9 shooting from the field against Georgia State, becoming the first Bearcat to open a season with consecutive double-doubles since Bobby Brannen in 1997-98.
“You just want to play against the best teams and the best programs,” said Cincinnati coach Wes Miller. “You want to have the opportunity to really build your team throughout your non-conference schedule. Dayton is one of the best teams. We don’t think of it as a non-Power Four game. It’s a Power Four game to us. I think anybody who watches basketball thinks that.”
Dayton (2-0) won exhibitions against Penn State and Bowling Green and their first two regular-season games against Canisius and Maryland-Baltimore County.
“I think it’s great for both schools,” said Dayton coach Anthony Grant of the rivalry. “I can remember the day we would do that on a regular basis. This is the next rendition of the game. I’m really grateful that they’re willing to continue the series. They’ve got a really good team. I think our guys will be excited to play. I think their guys will be excited to play. It should be a great atmosphere.”
In a 77-71 home win over Maryland-Baltimore County Saturday, Dayton had all five starters in double-digits for the Flyers, with Javon Bennett leading the way with 16. Senior transfer Keonte Jones added 12 points, going 5-for-5 from the field, along with five steals, three rebounds and a pair of blocks.
