TicketsCINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati women's basketball team forced a season-high 23 turnovers to edge Western Carolina, 46-45, on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Arena.
The win improves the Bearcats to 3-2. The Bearcats have all three of their wins at home.
Cincinnati shot 66% from the free throw line and held their opponents to 34% from the field and 29% from the three point line.
HOW IT HAPPENED
It was a slow start offensively, but the Bearcats' defense stood strong in the first half. Cincinnati forced 12 turnovers which led to nine points in the first half. Sophomore wing Taziah Jenks had a huge block which led to a backcourt violation and two free throws for junior point guard Akira Levy to cut the lead to 14-11 at the end of the first quarter.
The Bearcats finished the first half making eight out of their 10 free throws. Levy had seven points, two rebounds and one assist in the first half, trailing 16-26.
The halftime talk worked to perfection for the Bearcats as they started 4-of-4 from the field. Sophomore guard Jillian Hayes hit a jump shot right after the break followed by two three pointers from freshman Braylyn Milton cut the lead to 30-29 in favor of the visitors. A Milton lay-up and two baskets from Jenks gave the Bearcats their biggest run (7-0) and the lead in the third quarter.
The Bearcats held Western Carolina to one made shot in the fourth quarter and forced 11 turnovers in the second half. Junior Caitlyn Wilson hit a three-pointer, Hayes' hit a jump shot, and a clutch free throw from freshman Clarissa Craig sealed a 46-45 win for the Bearcats.
NOTABLES
- Akira Levy led the way for the Bearcats with nine points, three rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.
- Braylyn Milton had nine points in the second half and contributed with one rebound and one block.
- Jillian Hayes led the team with six rebounds. She also contributed five points.
- Clarissa Craig shot 100% from the field and had seven points and two rebounds.
- The Bearcats forced 23 turnovers tonight, the most turnovers forced in a game this season.
- Fewest allowed points since the Bearcats allowed 47 against Alabama A&M on December 17th, 2019.
UP NEXT
The Bearcats travel to in-state rival Ohio State for a 6 p.m. tip-off on Saturday. The game will air on Big Ten Network Plus.
FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
For all the latest information on Cincinnati women's basketball, please visit GoBEARCATS.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow Cincinnati WBB (@GoBearcatsWBB) and Coach Michelle Clark-Heard (@Coachheard) on Twitter. You can also follow the team on Facebook and Instagram.