The Lindner Family Tennis Center, traditionally home to the region’s premier tennis tournaments, was transformed Wednesday evening into a full‑size basketball court for the CareSource Invitational. The unique event gave local college fans a first‑look at four of southwest Ohio’s top Division I basketball programs as the season draws near.
Game schedule and matchups
At 3 p.m., the University of Cincinnati Bearcats opened the slate against the Ohio State Buckeyes on the newly laid‑out hardwood. The second game featured a rivalry between Xavier University and the University of Dayton, pitting the Musketeers against the Flyers. Both contests served as valuable scrimmages, allowing each team to test lineups and strategies before the official season tip‑off in a few weeks.
Coaches weigh in
“I’m a huge tennis fan, I’ve never been to a tennis match, I’ve watched every tennis documentary in this offseason, so I’m anxious to get in there and see what it looks … ,” Cincinnati head coach Jerrod Calhoun said, noting the novelty of playing on a court built inside a tennis venue. Calhoun, who took over after the program’s split with former coach Wes Miller, is eager for his Bearcats to earn their first NCAA Tournament berth since the 2018‑19 season.
For Xavier, second‑year head coach Richard Pitino expressed excitement about the depth of his roster. “We have maybe the most depth that I’ve ever had,” Pitino said. “We’ve got a lot of good players and practices are very competitive because of it.” The Musketeers hope the extra practice time and live‑action play will translate into a strong showing in the upcoming Atlantic 10 schedule.
Community impact
The event highlights the versatility of the Lindner Family Tennis Center, a facility that has long served the Cincinnati community as a hub for sport and recreation. By opening its doors to basketball, the venue demonstrates a commitment to providing diverse athletic experiences for local fans and student‑athletes alike.
Tickets for the Wednesday night games remain available through Ticketmaster and Vivid Seats, offering families and supporters a chance to enjoy a rare basketball setting in a familiar Cincinnati landmark.
Looking ahead
Both Cincinnati and Xavier will use the scrimmages to fine‑tune rotations and assess player development before conference play begins. Ohio State and Dayton, coming from strong programs in the Big Ten and Atlantic 10 respectively, will also benefit from the live competition against regional rivals.
The CareSource Invitational underscores the collaborative spirit of southwest Ohio’s college athletics, bringing together fans, coaches and players in a celebration of sport that bridges traditional venues and new experiences.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
