Cincinnati Bearcats Defeat Colorado Buffaloes 77-68
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Fifth Third Arena
Cincinnati Bearcats 77, Colorado Buffaloes 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Colorado Buffaloes vs Cincinnati Bearcats?
Cincinnati Bearcats beat Colorado Buffaloes 77-68 at Fifth Third Arena on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Colorado Buffaloes vs Cincinnati Bearcats?
Cincinnati Bearcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -395 (about 80% implied). The favorite won.
The Cincinnati Bearcats secured a solid victory over the Colorado Buffaloes with a final score of 77-68 at Fifth Third Arena. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased Cincinnati's ability to bounce back from a challenging stretch of games. The Bearcats entered the contest with a home record of 9-8 and a recent form of 3-7 over their last ten games, including a three-game losing streak. In contrast, the Buffaloes came in with a stronger away record of 12-5 and a recent record of 6-4, although they were on a one-game losing streak.
Cincinnati's recent form had been concerning, averaging 70.5 points scored and allowing 66.8 points over their last ten games. Their last five games reflected a record of 1-4, with an average of 69.2 points scored and 66.4 points allowed. The Bearcats had struggled particularly in away games, holding a record of 0-5 during that stretch. However, they managed to turn things around at home, where they had a record of 3-2 in their last five home games.
On the other hand, Colorado's offense had been more prolific, averaging 81.7 points scored and allowing 76.4 points in their last ten games. Their last five games showed a record of 2-3, with an average of 80.0 points scored and 79.6 points allowed. The Buffaloes had a mixed record of 5-3 at home and 1-1 in away games during this stretch, indicating a level of inconsistency on the road.
The two teams had met previously on January 16, 2025, where Cincinnati emerged victorious with a score of 68-62. This prior meeting added an extra layer of intrigue to the current matchup, as both teams were looking to assert their dominance in this season's series.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either roster, which meant both teams were likely at full strength for this important contest. The market had Cincinnati favored to win, with odds from DraftKings showing the Bearcats at -8.5 on the spread and a moneyline of -395, while the Buffaloes were at +310.
The game conditions were conducive for basketball, with no adverse weather or external factors reported that could have impacted play. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere, and they witnessed a series of significant scoring plays in the second half that ultimately sealed Cincinnati's victory.
As the game progressed, Cincinnati maintained control, with key free throws from players like Day Day Thomas and Baba Miller contributing to their lead. The final moments saw Cincinnati capitalize on their free throw opportunities, securing the win and boosting their confidence moving forward.
Overall, this fixture highlighted Cincinnati's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while Colorado will need to address their inconsistencies, especially in away games, as they look to rebound in their upcoming matchups.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CIN -8.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | Colorado Buffaloes +310 · Cincinnati Bearcats -395 |
Leaders
- PointsBaba Miller25Cincinnati Bearcats
- AssistsBaba Miller4Cincinnati Bearcats
- ReboundsBaba Miller11Cincinnati Bearcats
- PointsIsaiah Johnson18Colorado Buffaloes
- AssistsBangot Dak4Colorado Buffaloes
- ReboundsBangot Dak7Colorado Buffaloes
Recent form
Cincinnati Bearcats
Last 10: 3-7Streak L370.5 scored · 66.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L72-73at UCF KnightsJan 11
- L60-62at West Virginia MountaineersJan 7
- L60-67vs Houston CougarsJan 3
- W89-62vs Lipscomb BisonsDec 30
- L65-68at Clemson TigersDec 21
- W88-51vs Alabama State HornetsDec 18
- L65-84at Georgia BulldogsDec 13
- L74-79at Xavier MusketeersDec 6
- W76-58vs Tarleton State TexansDec 2
- L56-64vs Eastern Michigan EaglesNov 27
Colorado Buffaloes
Last 10: 6-4Streak L181.7 scored · 76.4 allowed per game1-1 away
- L71-73vs Texas Tech Red RaidersJan 11
- W85-73vs Utah UtesJan 8
- W95-89at Arizona State Sun DevilsJan 3
- L81-86vs Northern Colorado BearsDec 28
- L68-77vs Stanford CardinalDec 21
- W84-73vs Portland State VikingsDec 18
- W88-64vs UTSA RoadrunnersDec 13
- L86-91at Colorado State RamsDec 6
- W78-70vs California Baptist LancersDec 2
- W81-68vs Washington HuskiesNov 28
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Colorado Buffaloes | Cincinnati Bearcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-56 | 25-56 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 7-20 | 3-16 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 19 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 24-35 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 69 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 24 |
| Assists | 15 | 18 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 30 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 24 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 28 |
| Fouls | 24 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-50Barrington Hargress makes 24-foot three point jumper (Josiah Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half34-50Bangot Dak makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half34-52Moustapha Thiam makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot (Baba Miller assists)
- 2nd Half35-52Bangot Dak makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-52Josiah Sanders makes driving layup
- 2nd Half40-52Isaiah Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Josiah Sanders assists)
- 2nd Half40-53Keyshuan Tillery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-53Josiah Sanders makes layup (Bangot Dak assists)
- 2nd Half42-55Moustapha Thiam makes layup (Sencire Harris assists)
- 2nd Half43-55Alon Michaeli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-56Shon Abaev makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half43-57Keyshuan Tillery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-58Keyshuan Tillery makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-58Isaiah Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Barrington Hargress assists)
- 2nd Half48-58Isaiah Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-59Baba Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-59Isaiah Johnson makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half52-59Josiah Sanders makes layup (Elijah Malone assists)
- 2nd Half52-61Moustapha Thiam makes layup
- 2nd Half54-61Barrington Hargress makes layup
- 2nd Half56-61Alon Michaeli makes layup
- 2nd Half56-64Day Day Thomas makes 28-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half56-66Day Day Thomas makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half56-68Baba Miller makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half59-68Bangot Dak makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alon Michaeli assists)
- 2nd Half60-68Barrington Hargress makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-68Barrington Hargress makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Barrington Hargress makes 24-foot three point jumper (Bangot Dak assists)
- 2nd Half64-69Jizzle James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-70Jizzle James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-71Sencire Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-71Isaiah Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-72Day Day Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-73Day Day Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-74Baba Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-75Baba Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-75Isaiah Johnson makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half68-75Isaiah Johnson makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half68-76Sencire Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-77Baba Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Cincinnati Bearcats, below favours Colorado Buffaloes.
Venue
- Fifth Third ArenaCincinnati, OH
- Attendance9331
- OfficialsMarques Pettigrew, Edwin Young, Chris Pacsi
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond