NASSAU, Bahamas — It would be easy to dismiss Cincinnati's two exhibition victories in the Bahamas because of the competition. But that would also miss the point.
The Bearcats returned home with a pair of convincing wins, defeating Victoria 110-63 before following it up with a 107-66 victory over Calgary to finish their summer trip 2-0. More importantly, Jerrod Calhoun's first Cincinnati team began showing signs of the identity its new head coach has spent the offseason trying to establish.
The opening game against Victoria was over almost as soon as it began.
After briefly falling behind 5-4, Cincinnati forced eight turnovers in the first five minutes and ripped off a 13-0 run. By halftime, the Bearcats had built a 55-22 advantage behind relentless defensive pressure and unselfish offense, eventually finishing with seven players in double figures while forcing and incredible 32 turnovers. MJ Collins led the balanced attack with 15 points, while Adlan Elamin added 14 and Akai Fleming handed out eight assists.
Twenty-four hours later, the Bearcats picked up right where they left off.
Myles Colvin erupted for 25 points, knocking down seven three-pointers as Cincinnati rolled past Calgary 107-66. Akai Fleming contributed 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Tyler Tejada added 14 points of his own, and Elamin once again reached double figures as the Bearcats completed an undefeated trip to Nassau.
The scores themselves, however, weren't the biggest story. Style was.
Throughout the two-game trip, Cincinnati forced turnovers, pushed the tempo and displayed the type of unselfish play Calhoun has repeatedly emphasized since arriving in Clifton. Just as encouraging, players appeared genuinely invested in one another's success, something Calhoun pointed to after the opener as one of his favorite takeaways from the week.
Of course, perspective is important. These were exhibition games in early August, not Big 12 conference contests. No one should be penciling Cincinnati into the NCAA Tournament because of two lopsided wins over Canadian universities.
At the same time, the Bearcats accomplished exactly what they needed to accomplish. A roster filled with newcomers gained valuable game experience. The coaching staff got its first extended look at rotations and combinations. And perhaps most importantly, the team began developing the chemistry that every program with this much turnover desperately needs before the regular season begins.
The real tests are still to come.
But if the Bahamas trip was any indication, Jerrod Calhoun's first Cincinnati team appears to be heading in the right direction.
What's Next: Cincinnati returns home to continue preparations for the CareSource Invitational outdoor exhibition against Ohio State before opening the 2026-27 regular season later this fall.