Cincinnati Basketball: Unbeaten All-Time vs Notable Opponents

A look back into the history vault, at some notable successful college basketball programs that Cincinnati Bearcats have an undefeated record against.

vs Oregon (2-0)

Oregon has become one of the most notable west coast schools in recent years. Since 2000, they have advanced to the Sweet 16 six times, including 3 times since 2016 and two Elite Eight appearances, and one Final Four (2017) over that time.

While the Ducks have won the National Championship (1939) and are 7-time conference champions, they have never beaten the Bearcats.

2012 - Cincinnati won 77-66 in Las Vegas, as part of a 2-day, 2-game event, in which they beat Iowa State the night before.

Sean Kilpatrick and Jaquon Parker both scored 16 points and Cashmere Wright led the way with 17 points.

2002 - Bearcats upset the #5 Ducks (led by Luke Ridnour) in the Jimmy V Classic. Tony Bobbit led the way with 29 points, on 9-14 shooting and 6-11 from three. Jason Maxiell had 20 points and 13 rebounds.

vs Texas (2-0)

Cincinnati is 2-0 all-time against Texas, with both wins coming in the NCAA Tournament.

2012 - Cincinnati won 65-59 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This was a notable win, and season for Cincinnati, as it was the only time in the past decade (and under coach Mick Cronin) that they advanced to the Sweet 16.

Cincinnati was coming off a win against #2 Syracuse in the Big East semifinals, and championship game loss to Louisville.

Bearcats led by 14 at the half (31-17) and held off a late rally by Texas. Yancy Gates led the way with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jaquon Parer (13), Dion Dixon (12), and Cashmere Wright (11) all scored double figures as well.

1963 - Cincinnati won 73-68, to advance in the regional finals (where they would beat Colorado). 1963 was Cincinnati’s 5th consecutive trip to the Final Four, where they ultimately lost to Loyola-Chicago in the Championship Game.

George Wilson finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds for Cincinnati and Ron Bonham scored 24 points

Notably, Cincinnati was in position to play Texas in the 2018 Tournament. After beating Georgia State in the first round as a 2 seed, Cincinnati watched Texas blow a 9-point halftime lead and 14-point second half deficit to lose in overtime to Nevada. Nevada would go on to pull off a second straight comeback against Cincinnati. How different could everything have been if the Bearcats drew Texas in that second round, instead of Nevada?

vs Virginia (3-0)

Virginia may have won the NCAA Tournament in 2020, but they have never beaten the Bearcats. In fact, Virginia has lost 3 games by an average of 30 ppg.

1993 - The most recent meeting between schools came in the Sweet 16 of the 1993 NCAA Tournament. Cincinnati, a 2 seed, knocked off the 6th seeded Cavs 71-54. Nick Van Exel led the way with 19 points, 11 assists. Corie Blount had 19 points, 11 rebounds and Erik Martin had 15 points, 12 rebounds.

1962 - The other two Cincinnati wins came in the regular season, in December games. The 1962-63 season, noted above, was the Bearcats’ 5th straight Final Four appearance. Bearcats, ranked #1, won their first game of the season, in an emphatic statement 91-42.

1955 - In the first ever meeting between the two, Cincinnati won 93-69.

vs San Diego State (1-0)

Like Oregon, San Diego State is one of the most recognizable west coast programs. In 2019-20, the Aztecs went 30-2, leading the nation in wins.

2014 - San Diego State was ranked #19 at the time and both teams came in with 2 losses. Bearcats won 71-62 in overtime and Fifth Third Arena. Troy Caupain and Farad Cobb each led the way with 12 points. Gary Clark, then a freshman, scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.