2 winners, 2 losers in Jerrod Calhoun’s roller coaster week with the Bearcats
Scoring comes from multiple sources
Cincinnati’s 3-1 start has brought encouraging scoring performances from more than one player. Tylen Riley scored 25 points in the 63-61 loss to Minnesota, while Riley Allenspach answered with 20 against Dayton.
Against Dayton, Tyler Tejada, Elijah Perryman and MJ Collins Jr. also contributed, with the report listing 16 and 12 points for the group. Riley scored nine on five shots in that game. The distribution offers a contrast to the Minnesota matchup, where Riley carried much of the scoring load.
Rebounding and late mistakes hurt
The Minnesota defeat exposed a weakness on the boards. Cincinnati was outrebounded 40-28 and gave up 13 offensive rebounds, which led to 11 second-chance points—three more than the Bearcats scored in that category.
The closing sequence made the loss especially difficult: Cincinnati held a five-point lead with 1:10 remaining and had possession. Two turnovers followed, and Minnesota finished with a 6-0 run.
Steals provide a defensive bright spot
Cincinnati recorded 15 steals over its last two games, with eight against Minnesota and seven against Dayton. The Bearcats average 9.8 steals per game this season, a figure that ranks 48th nationally.
Collins and Akron transfer Eric Mahaffey each have eight steals on the season. Those numbers give Calhoun’s team a clear defensive strength as it continues to develop.
Early outlook remains open
The season is still too young for firm predictions, but Cincinnati’s KenPom rating stood at 25th at publication. Minnesota was ranked 32nd, placing both teams near the mix for a strong NCAA Tournament seed, according to the report.
The Bearcats next face Youngstown State and Lowell, opportunities to build on their strengths before a challenging game against Georgia. The program is aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2018/19 season, when Mick Cronin led Cincinnati.
Key points
- Cincinnati opened the 2026/27 campaign 3-1 under first-year coach Jerrod Calhoun.
- Tylen Riley scored 25 against Minnesota; Riley Allenspach had 20 against Dayton.
- The Bearcats gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the Minnesota loss and committed two late turnovers.
- Cincinnati ranked 25th in KenPom and averaged 9.8 steals per game at publication.