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Team: Cincinnati Bearcats
Conference: American Athletic Conference
Coach: Mick Cronin
Record: 22-10, 12-6 in conference
KenPom Rank: 31
Good wins: Twice over Connecticut, once at VCU.
Impact Players: Octavius Ellis isan excellent rebounder and shot blocker for the Bearcats, an anchor on defense for the Bearcats. Troy Caupain leads the team in scoring with 13 per game and five assists, but Cincy spreads the scoring around, with three players averaging between 10 and 11 points per game.
How did they get in?: After four overtimes, Connecticut battled their way to a win and a berth in the AAC title game, while Cincinnati played a waiting game that had them on the right side of the bubble... but just barely.
How far can this team go in the NCAA Tournament?: The Bearcats play slow, defensive-oriented ball. They can affect teams with height and with defensive athleticism. For teams that haven't seen them before, Cincy could be a tough matchup; they can go as far as the Sweet Sixteen.
Last time in the NCAA Tournament: 2015.