CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bearcats closed out their exhibition schedule with a convincing 97-58 victory over Oakland Tuesday night at Fifth Third Arena, giving head coach Jerrod Calhoun plenty of positives heading into his first season with the program.
MJ Collins Jr. led Cincinnati with 22 points, connecting on 8 of 11 shots from the field and 5 of 7 from three-point range. Myles Colvin added 15 points and six rebounds, hitting five three-pointers as the Bearcats shot an impressive 60.9% from the field and 51.7% from beyond the arc.
Cincinnati took control immediately, scoring the game's first eight points and building a 44-25 halftime lead. Oakland briefly cut the deficit to 14 early in the second half, but the Bearcats quickly responded and continued pulling away.
The Bearcats' ball movement was very solid, with 31 assists on 39 made baskets. Cincinnati also forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 25 points, while holding Oakland to 37.3% shooting.
Amani Lyles contributed six points on perfect 3-for-3 shooting, while Elijah Perryman added 10 assists. Chris Fields Jr. led Oakland with 22 points and nine rebounds.
The victory gave Cincinnati a 2-1 exhibition record after previously defeating Ohio State, 79-68, and falling to Illinois, 105-96. Although the games don't count toward the regular-season standings, the Bearcats showed tantalizing offensive potential throughout their three preseason contests.
What's Next
Cincinnati opens the 2026-27 regular season Monday, November 2, when American visits Fifth Third Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the game streaming on ESPN+.
