Quote:Daily Word: Can Cincinnati hand SMU its first loss?
12:41 PM ET
Each weekday, our college hoops experts discuss the biggest issues, trends and themes in college basketball.

1. What will it take for Cincinnati to hand SMU its first loss?

Andy Katz: Be beasts on the boards. The Bearcats can be more physical and certainly can be the aggressor.

Myron Medcalf: Cincy can't just rely on defense alone. Mick Cronin's squad must keep the pressure on Nic Moore and play an efficient offensive game to deal with a team that's tough on both ends of the floor and is as confident as any team in America.

Dana O'Neil: Cincinnati has to play relentless defense. Yes, the Bearcats are known for toughness and pressure, but SMU can match them in both categories. Cincinnati can't ease up on the gas, not even for a handful of minutes, and has to be able to expose its advantage on the boards.