TicketsUNCASVILLE, Conn. – Three-seeded University of Cincinnati women's basketball defeated the No. 11 seed Memphis Tigers, 68-48, on Saturday night in American Athletic Conference quarterfinal action at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Bearcats (21-9) used a dominant third quarter against the Tigers (11-20) and five double-figure scorers to advance to the American Championship semifinals for the second-straight year.
Junior forward Angel Rizor (Zebulon, N.C./East Wake) led the way for UC with 14 points, to go along with eight rebounds. Sophomore forward IImar'I Thomas (Oakland, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep) chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds, while junior guard Antoinette Miller (Detroit, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup) added 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Moreover, junior guards Florence Sifa (Bujumbura, Burundi/Jacksonville College) and Sam Rodgers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East) each scored 10 points.
Coming off a first-round bye, the Bearcats started fast, scoring the first four points of the game and after back-and-forth action, took a 21-17 lead into the second quarter. In the second, UC fell behind by one point early on, but quickly recovered. Holding a 29-26 advantage with 4:36 left in the period, the Red & Black finished strong with a 9-2 run to carry a 38-28 surplus into halftime.
The Bearcats imposed their will on the Tigers in the third quarter, scoring the first 10 points of the second half. In total, UC outscored U of M 17-6 in the period to take a 55-34 lead into the final quarter. In the fourth, the Red & Black increased its advantage to as many as 25 points midway through and coasted to its third-consecutive 20-point win over the Tigers.
UC held U of M to 29-percent shooting, while shooting 46-percent on the other end. The Bearcats dominated in the paint with 38 points and scored 15 points off of 13 Memphis turnovers. The Red & Black also held a 43-34 advantage on the glass and turned 13 offensive rebounds into 16 points. Furthermore, Cincinnati got out in transition for 12 points, got 11 points from its bench, dished out 16 assists on 28 made field goals, and knocked down 8-of-12 from the free-throw line.
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UC will square off against the No. 2 seed UCF Knights in the American Championship semifinals on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET at Mohegan Sun Arena. The game will be broadcast live on ESPNU. The Bearcats dropped a 56-55 decision at UCF on Jan. 13 in the only meeting this season.