University Of Cincinnati Shows Sportsmanship Before BYU Basketball Game
Mar 3, 2026, 7:31 PM | Updated: Mar 4, 2026, 11:04 am
BYU men’s basketball is facing the Cincinnati Bearcats in The Queen City on Tuesday, March 3.
It’s the first visit to Cincinnati for one of BYU’s revenue-generating athletic teams since the football program played the Bearcats at historic Nippert Stadium in November.
During that game, there were chants of “(Expletive) the Mormons” that occurred during BYU’s 26-14 victory.
Following that display of derogatory chants by Cincinnati fans and students, the University of Cincinnati issued an apology to Brigham Young University and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last November.
In the lead-up to Tuesday’s basketball game between BYU and Cincinnati, an op-ed was published in the Cincinnati Enquirer from BYU fans who live in Cincinnati asking that the religious bigotry stop.
Before the basketball game at Fifth-Third Arena, notes were left on chairs in the Cincinnati student section asking for good sportsmanship.
University of Cincinnati sends sportsmanship reminder before game against BYU basketball
Neil Meyer from The Front Office News shared a picture on X of the message.
The University of Cincinnati with some advice to the students attending tonight’s contest vs BYU.
Placed on every seat in the student sections pic.twitter.com/CELpRPyi27
— Neil Meyer (@MeyerNeil6) March 4, 2026
“UC promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and fans. We request your cooperation in supporting the student-athletes and officials in a positive manner. Conduct in violation of Fifth Third Arena’s Code of Conduct, including UC’s harassment and discrimination policies, may be grounds for removal from the Arena,” The University of Cincinnati wrote to students.
The good sportsmanship message continued, “UC has many traditions, but bad sportsmanship isn’t one of them. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a safe and positive game environment.”
Cincinnati thanked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the November food donation
Earlier on Tuesday, the Cincinnati Bearcats’ official athletics X account thanked BYU and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the food donation to the Bearcat Pantry ahead of the November football game.
Ahead of tonight's matchup with BYU, Cincinnati would like to extend its gratitude to the @BYUCougars community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their generosity. Their November donation was the largest in the history of the Bearcats Pantry. pic.twitter.com/PsWsqs93qz
— Cincinnati Bearcats (@GoBEARCATS) March 3, 2026
The food drive was raised through BYU’s “Cougs Care” initiative at football road games.
According to Cincinnati Athletics, the donation was “the largest in the history of the Bearcat Pantry.”
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio.
Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper.
