TicketsFeb. 26, 2011
NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Kayla Cook (South Webster, Ohio/South Webster) scored a career-high 18 points, but the University of Cincinnati women's basketball team dropped a 66-48 decision at No. 8/7 Notre Dame on Saturday (Feb. 26) in the Joyce Center.
Cook hit on 5-of-6 from the floor, including 4-of-4 from three-point range. She added four rebounds, an assist and three steals.
Shareese Ulis (Toledo, Ohio/Trinity Valley C.C.) scored 14 points and hit on 2-of-6 from distance. She has knocked down a three in 29 straight games dating to the 2009-10 season.
The Fighting Irish (24-5, 13-2 BIG EAST) jumped out to a 7-0 lead early on and pushed the lead to 28-11 with 2:08 to play in the stanza. Cincinnati (8-19, 1-14) scored the next nine points, including a Bjonee Reaves (San Bernardino, Calif./Neosho County) 35-foot three at the halftime buzzer to make it 28-20 going into the locker room.
The Irish opened the second half with a flurry, scoring the first 21 points of the stanza to jump out to a 49-20 advantage with 13:33 to play.
A three-pointer from Kaila Turner gave the Irish their largest lead of the game at 58-27 with 10:10 remaining.
The Bearcats closed the contest on an 18-5, highlighted by Cook's hot shooting, to produce the final margin.
Cook's previous career high came at Louisville on Jan. 22 when she scored 17.
Four Irish players finished in double digits, including Devereaux Peters, Becca Bruszewski, and Skylar Diggins with 12 points apiece. Natalie Novosel chipped in 11 for UND.
UC turned the ball over 28 times, leading to 35 points for the Irish.
The Bearcats will return to Fifth Third Arena for the regular-season finale against Marquette on Monday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. UC will honor seniors Ulis and Shelly Bellman (Ottawa, Ohio/Ottawa-Glandorf) with a pregame ceremony.