CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bearcats will get one final chance to prepare for the 2026–27 basketball season Tuesday night when they host Oakland in an exhibition at Fifth Third Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The matchup marks the final preseason test for first-year head coach Jerrod Calhoun, who has spent the past several months rebuilding Cincinnati's roster. The Bearcats have 14 newcomers and only one returning player, fifth-year Grant Darbyshire, making these exhibition games important for developing team chemistry.

Cincinnati has split its first two exhibitions, defeating Ohio State 79-68 on October 7 before falling to preseason No. 3 Illinois, 105-96, on October 17.

Senior guard Tylen Riley has been Cincinnati's most productive player through those two contests, averaging 27 points and eight assists. Senior forward Tyler Tejada has added 15 points per game.

The performance against Illinois was encouraging offensively, but the Bearcats also allowed 105 points. Improving defensively and limiting second-chance opportunities will be important areas of focus before the regular season begins.

Oakland enters Tuesday with a 1-1 exhibition record, having defeated Grand Valley State 103-74 before losing to Tennessee State 89-75 on Saturday. The Golden Grizzlies are led by longtime head coach Greg Kampe, now entering his 43rd season with the program. Oakland has also added 10 newcomers to its roster.

Tuesday also comes one day after Cincinnati announced the addition of former Akron forward Amani Lyles, a First Team All-MAC selection last season. Lyles' eligibility remains under review, so his addition does not necessarily mean he will be available to play against Oakland.

While the final score won't count toward Cincinnati's regular-season record, the exhibition provides another opportunity for Calhoun to evaluate his rotations, improve the team's defensive consistency, and determine which combinations work best together.

Cincinnati opens the regular season Monday, November 2, against American University at Fifth Third Arena. 

Game Information