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ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of Cincinnati women's basketball team suffered its first loss of the new year on Tuesday when it fell, 64-44, to the UCF Knights at CFE Arena.
UC's five-game winning streak was snapped as they move to 14-6 on the season and 5-2 in American Athletic Conference play. Meanwhile, UCF improves to 13-7 overall and 3-4 in league action. The two teams have now split the regular season series after the Bearcats previously bested the Knights, 63-57, on Jan. 4 in Cincinnati.
Senior guard Bianca Quisenberry (Springfield, Ohio/Tecumseh) paced the Bearcats with 14 points. Freshman forward Angel Rizor (Zebulon, N.C./East Wake) posted nine points and eight rebounds in her first start of the season. UCF's Aliyah Gregory scored a game-best 22 points, while Zykira Lewis added 15.
Looking to extend its winning streak to six games, UC fell behind early, 8-4, but ended the first quarter with a 12-3 run over the final 6:11 of the period to take a 16-11 lead into the second quarter. UCF answered with a 9-0 run over the opening four minutes of the second, but the Bearcats countered with a 6-0 burst to take back the lead. UC was then outscored by UCF, 8-5, over the final 4:37 of the period which included the Knights making a shot at the buzzer to capture a 28-27 advantage at halftime.
The two teams traded baskets through the first six minutes of the third quarter with UCF holding a 35-34 lead. Over the duration of the quarter, the Bearcats were outscored 9-4 as the home team took a 44-38 advantage into the fourth period. UCF raced out to a 12-point lead during the opening three minutes of the final quarter. UC could not make up ground in the period as it was outscored 20-6 as UCF evened up the season series with a 64-44 victory.
// UP NEXT
UC will return to Cincinnati to face the Tulane Green Wave on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. inside Fifth Third Arena. The game will be the Bearcats' annual Ring of Red game where the team will wear custom-made, red Under Armour uniforms. Fans are also encouraged to wear red. The game will also serve as a Nationals Girls & Women in Sports Day celebration. Fans unable to attend the game can watch live on the American Digital Network.
// EXPERIENCE UC
Again, this season, the Bearcats will be participating in the University's "Experience UC" initiative which offers complimentary, free of charge admission to home games. The initiative is geared toward inviting the community to campus to see firsthand the great things about and surrounding the University. Groups interested in attending games in 2015-16 should contact Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Branding Luke Willman (513-556-1081; luke.willman@uc.edu) for more information.
// MOBILE APP: CINCINNATI GAMEDAY
Improved for the 2016 season, the Cincinnati Gameday app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices offers fans a wide variety of information on the Bearcats -- home and away. The free app is available in the App Store and Google Play. The app offers live scores & stats, social interaction, and fan maps, among other features, to enhance the Cincinnati gameday experience.