Cincinnati basketball coach John Brannen talks Bearcats' loss to UCF on Wednesday. Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati basketball’s comeback victory at Wichita State earlier this month strengthened the Bearcats’ case for the NCAA Tournament.
A loss to the Shockers Sunday could close off an at-large bid for good.
UC (17-9, 10-4) enters among the "First 4 Out" of CBS College Hoops expert Jerry Palm's bracket projection.
"Cincinnati has already hurt themselves too much," said Palm, before the Bearcats' double-overtime home loss Wednesday to UCF.
Wichita State (20-6, 8-5) enters among Palm's "Last 4 In," and represent one of Cincinnati's final two opportunities to secure wins that matter (at Houston is the other).