TicketsTAMPA, Fla. – University of Cincinnati women's basketball saw its run of six-straight wins come to an end Sunday afternoon with a 76-68 loss at USF to begin American Athletic Conference play.
The Bearcats (9-5, 0-1 AAC) cut a 14 point, fourth-quarter deficit to six, but were unable to close the gap down the stretch as the Bulls (9-6, 1-0 AAC) pulled away for the victory.
Junior forward IImar'I Thomas (Oakland, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep) scored a game-high 23 points for her seventh 20-point outing of the season. Thomas was joined in double figures by senior guard Antoinette Miller (Detroit, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup) with 19, senior forward Angel Rizor (Zebulon, N.C./East Wake) with 12, and senior guard Sam Rodgers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East) with 10. Miller also recorded six assists and four rebounds, while Thomas grabbed a game-high seven rebounds.
After a back and forth opening five minutes of the game, the home team put together a surge to lead 20-14 after one quarter. The two teams played neck and neck in the second period with the Bearcats trailing just 41-34 at halftime. Despite quick bursts by UC throughout the stanza, the Bulls were able to match to hold a 60-48 advantage heading into the final quarter. After USF increased its lead to a game-high 14 points early in the fourth period, the Bearcats manufactured a late rally that fell just short in the end.
The Red & Black shot 48% (27-of-56) from the field and scored 34 points in the paint. UC also drained 11-of-16 from the free-throw line and knocked down a trio of 3-pointers. In addition, the Bearcats dished out 13 assists and scored 11 points off of 13 USF turnovers.
// UP NEXT
UC will continue conference play on the road and will take on the Memphis Tigers on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. ET at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will be broadcast live on the American Digital Network.
// GET CONNECTED
Stay up to date with the team by following the Bearcats on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @GoBearcatsWBB.
The Bearcats (9-5, 0-1 AAC) cut a 14 point, fourth-quarter deficit to six, but were unable to close the gap down the stretch as the Bulls (9-6, 1-0 AAC) pulled away for the victory.
Junior forward IImar'I Thomas (Oakland, Calif./Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep) scored a game-high 23 points for her seventh 20-point outing of the season. Thomas was joined in double figures by senior guard Antoinette Miller (Detroit, Mich./Southfield-Lathrup) with 19, senior forward Angel Rizor (Zebulon, N.C./East Wake) with 12, and senior guard Sam Rodgers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East) with 10. Miller also recorded six assists and four rebounds, while Thomas grabbed a game-high seven rebounds.
After a back and forth opening five minutes of the game, the home team put together a surge to lead 20-14 after one quarter. The two teams played neck and neck in the second period with the Bearcats trailing just 41-34 at halftime. Despite quick bursts by UC throughout the stanza, the Bulls were able to match to hold a 60-48 advantage heading into the final quarter. After USF increased its lead to a game-high 14 points early in the fourth period, the Bearcats manufactured a late rally that fell just short in the end.
The Red & Black shot 48% (27-of-56) from the field and scored 34 points in the paint. UC also drained 11-of-16 from the free-throw line and knocked down a trio of 3-pointers. In addition, the Bearcats dished out 13 assists and scored 11 points off of 13 USF turnovers.
// UP NEXT
UC will continue conference play on the road and will take on the Memphis Tigers on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 8 p.m. ET at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will be broadcast live on the American Digital Network.
// GET CONNECTED
Stay up to date with the team by following the Bearcats on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @GoBearcatsWBB.