TicketsCINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati women's basketball got back on track Saturday with a 63-56 win over the visiting Ball State Cardinals at Fifth Third Arena.
With the score tied at 51 with four minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the Bearcats (2-2) manufactured a quick, 6-0 run over the next minute and a half and proceed to outscore the Cardinals (1-2) 12-5 over the duration of the contest to snap a two-game losing skid.
Senior guard Antoinette Miller (Detroit, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup) paced UC with 14 points and 10 rebounds – as well as five assists – to notch her first double-double of the season and the fourth of her career. Junior forward IImar'I Thomas' (Oakland, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep) continued her strong play with 13 points and nine rebounds. Senior forward Angel Rizor (Zebulon, N.C./East Wake) chipped in eight points, four rebounds, and five assists.
In addition, the Red & Black got vital contributions from its young bench with the rookie trio of Jordan Tuff (Kernersville, N.C./Connections Academy) (10 points), Chellia Watson (Winder, Ga./Winder-Barrow) (7 points), and Sofia Gritzali (Thessaloniki, Greece/Hellenic College of Thessaloniki) (4 points) combining to score 21.
After being edged 9-8 in the opening period, the Bearcats responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 16-12 to take a 24-21 advantage into the halftime locker room.
With the score knotted at 36 with 1:31 remaining in the third period, UC finished the quarter strong with an 8-0 run to lead 44-36 with 10 minutes left to play. BSU did not go away lightly in the fourth period, putting together a 15-6 run to take a 51-50 advantage with 4:30 to go. UC responded with the aforementioned late-quarter push to pick up with win.
The Bearcats scored 34 points in the paint, turned 18 BSU turnovers into 17 points, and shot the ball at a 43% clip from the field (26-of-61). Additionally, the Red & Black got out on the break for 15 points and buried 7-of-9 free throws.
// UP NEXT
UC will wrap its season-opening homestand Tuesday, Nov. 19 when it welcomes Chattanooga to Fifth Third Arena for a 7 p.m. tipoff. Buy tickets to the game here.
// GET CONNECTED
Stay up to date with the team by following the Bearcats on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @GoBearcatsWBB.