CINCINNATI (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum before conference play begins will meet Monday when the Lipscomb Bisons visit the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena. Both teams enter the nonconference finale with identical 7-5 records. Lipscomb arrives following a dominant 123-60 rout of Blue Mountain on Dec. 20, while Cincinnati seeks to rebound from a narrow 68-65 road loss at Clemson on Dec. 21. The Bisons have shown a potent offense, averaging 84.2 points per game. They are led by versatile forward Ross Candelino, who is coming off a near triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in just 22 minutes against Blue Mountain. Guard Grant Asman added 21 points in that win, and Mateo Esmeraldo dished out 12 assists. Cincinnati will counter with guard Day Day Thomas, its leading scorer in the loss to Clemson with 17 points. Thomas has been a consistent offensive threat, scoring in double figures in four of his last five games, including a 19-point, six-assist performance in a win over Tarleton State on Dec. 1. The Bearcats have faced a tougher recent schedule, with their last three losses coming against Clemson, Georgia and crosstown rival Xavier by a combined 15 points. Their defense, allowing just 68.8 points per game, will be tested by Lipscomb’s up-tempo attack. This marks the first meeting between the programs since 2019. For Lipscomb, a win would provide a significant road victory ahead of its Atlantic Sun Conference opener on Jan. 1. For Cincinnati, it’s a final tune-up before a daunting Big 12 Conference slate begins Jan. 3 against No. 1-ranked Houston. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST Monday. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.