TicketsCINCINNATI – University of Cincinnati forward IImar'I Thomas had her second-consecutive double-double, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, but the Bearcats fell to Tulsa, 62-57, in American Athletic Conference play at Fifth Third Arena Wednesday.
Thomas, who also had 24 and 11 the last time out against Wichita State, has led Cincinnati (2-6, 1-3 AAC) in scoring in each game this season. Jada Scott tied a career high with eight points, helping to lead the Bearcats to a furious second-half comeback.
Thomas split a pair of free throws with 3:01 left in the game which had the Bearcats within two, 53-51, after trailing by as many as 16 in the first half. The senior's helper from the charity stripe capped an overall 11-5 run over almost seven minutes.
Tulsa's Maya Mayberry responded by outscoring the Bearcats 6-1 by herself and giving TU a 57-51 lead with 55 seconds remaining. Thomas added a layup with 33 ticks left on the clock and Arame Niang sank a 3-pointer with 11 seconds to go but UC would get no closer.
Mayberry finished with 11 while her sister Wyvette poured in a career-best 20-point effort. Jessika Evans added 13 points and nine rebounds, both personal bests.
UC trailed by double-digits for much of the first half before a 15-7 surge over the final 5:09 had the margin at eight with Tulsa leading 33-25 at the break. The Bearcats turned it over 19 times, which was converted to 17 Tulsa points.
Jillian Hayes just missed a double-double, posting a career-best nine rebounds along with nine points. Niang poured in eight points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Bearcats stay home to welcome Tulane on Saturday, Jan. 9. Tipoff is 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Thomas, who also had 24 and 11 the last time out against Wichita State, has led Cincinnati (2-6, 1-3 AAC) in scoring in each game this season. Jada Scott tied a career high with eight points, helping to lead the Bearcats to a furious second-half comeback.
Thomas split a pair of free throws with 3:01 left in the game which had the Bearcats within two, 53-51, after trailing by as many as 16 in the first half. The senior's helper from the charity stripe capped an overall 11-5 run over almost seven minutes.
Tulsa's Maya Mayberry responded by outscoring the Bearcats 6-1 by herself and giving TU a 57-51 lead with 55 seconds remaining. Thomas added a layup with 33 ticks left on the clock and Arame Niang sank a 3-pointer with 11 seconds to go but UC would get no closer.
Mayberry finished with 11 while her sister Wyvette poured in a career-best 20-point effort. Jessika Evans added 13 points and nine rebounds, both personal bests.
UC trailed by double-digits for much of the first half before a 15-7 surge over the final 5:09 had the margin at eight with Tulsa leading 33-25 at the break. The Bearcats turned it over 19 times, which was converted to 17 Tulsa points.
Jillian Hayes just missed a double-double, posting a career-best nine rebounds along with nine points. Niang poured in eight points and grabbed eight rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Bearcats stay home to welcome Tulane on Saturday, Jan. 9. Tipoff is 2 p.m. ET on ESPN+.