Western Carolina @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2015 ) Western Carolina 72, Cincinnati 97

When a 30-point victory still has the winning coach considering an antacid, you know expectations are high. No. 13 Cincinnati looked good in its season opener, but has plenty to work on as it hosts Western Carolina on Monday night.

The Bearcats were in control for most of Friday's season-opening 107-77 rout of Savannah State, but head coach Mick Cronin was frank when asked if he was happy with his team's effort. "Umm, not a whole lot," Cronin told reporters. "Our attitude's great. Guys are trying. Twenty turnovers - that will drive a coach nuts. I told them the year is too long, I can't lose it on the first game. I can't go to the Maalox that early." Cincinnati will look to extend its 27-game home winning streak Monday even though it will play its 2017-18 home games at BB&T Arena on the Western Kentucky University campus while Fifth Third Arena undergoes major renovations. Western Carolina kicked off its campaign with an 85-57 loss at the hands of Clemson.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN3

ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA (0-1): Taking care of the basketball was a major problem for the Catamounts in their opener, as they committed 20 turnovers while producing just nine assists in the one-sided loss to the Tigers. Senior guard Haboubakar Mutombo was the only Western Carolina player to score in double figures as the team shot 39.3 percent from the field while making just 7-of-14 free throws. Forward Marc Gosselin, who ended last season with four consecutive double-doubles, was held to seven points and two rebounds in 24 minutes.

ABOUT CINCINNATI (1-0): While the Bearcats showed off a formidable offense expected to give opposing defenses problems, Cronin knows his team will need to shoot better from beyond the arc and the free-throw line moving forward. Cincinnati connected on just 13-of-39 3-point opportunities against Savannah State, while hitting just 12 of their 24 foul shots. Junior guard Jacob Evans took the first step in his quest to challenge for American Athletic Conference player of the year, pouring in 19 points while adding seven rebounds and five assists.

TIP-INS

1. Cincinnati outrebounded Savannah State 65-32 in the opener.

2. Bearcats F Gary Clark had 13 points and 11 rebounds to become the 51st player in school history to pass the 1,000-point plateau.

3. Cincinnati PG Cane Broome had 17 points in 20 minutes in his collegiate debut.

PREDICTION: Cincinnati 96, Western Carolina 69