TicketsCINCINNATI -- The University of Cincinnati women's basketball team held off Central Michigan on Wednesday night for a 59-54 win in Fifth Third Arena. Cincinnati improves to 4-3 on the season, with all four of their wins coming at home.
The Bearcats shot 43.1% from the field and 81.8% from the free throw line while holding the Chippewas to 35.2% field goal shooting. Sophomore guard Jillian Hayes led the team with a season and career high 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Junior point guard Akira Levy also scored a new career and season high of 19 points to go along with seven assists. She made 3-of-4 from three point range.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bearcats flew out of the gates offensively as they shot 60% from the field in the first quarter. Cincinnati was led by Levy's 10 points and perfect shooting percentage from the floor as she made her first four shots.
It was all about the defense in the second quarter as Cincinnati held Central Michigan to five points, which is tied for lowest in a quarter this season (five vs. Western Carolina on 11/23/21). Cincinnati forced two 10-second violations and a shot clock violation during an impressive defensive stand. Levy contributed on 10 out of the 16 first half baskets with 14 points and five assist before the break. Hayes led all scorers in the first half with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
The stifling defense continued into the second half as the Bearcats held their opponents to 30.3% shooting in the second half. Cincinnati only shot 26.1% in the second half, but rode their tough defense to a 59-54 win.
NOTABLES
UP NEXT
The Bearcats are in the middle of a three-game homestand as they welcome Ole Miss on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Fifth Third Arena.
The Bearcats shot 43.1% from the field and 81.8% from the free throw line while holding the Chippewas to 35.2% field goal shooting. Sophomore guard Jillian Hayes led the team with a season and career high 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Junior point guard Akira Levy also scored a new career and season high of 19 points to go along with seven assists. She made 3-of-4 from three point range.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bearcats flew out of the gates offensively as they shot 60% from the field in the first quarter. Cincinnati was led by Levy's 10 points and perfect shooting percentage from the floor as she made her first four shots.
It was all about the defense in the second quarter as Cincinnati held Central Michigan to five points, which is tied for lowest in a quarter this season (five vs. Western Carolina on 11/23/21). Cincinnati forced two 10-second violations and a shot clock violation during an impressive defensive stand. Levy contributed on 10 out of the 16 first half baskets with 14 points and five assist before the break. Hayes led all scorers in the first half with 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
The stifling defense continued into the second half as the Bearcats held their opponents to 30.3% shooting in the second half. Cincinnati only shot 26.1% in the second half, but rode their tough defense to a 59-54 win.
NOTABLES
- Akira Levy led the team with seven assists and contributed 19 points and two rebounds. She was perfect to start the game making her first five shots.
- Jillian Hayes put up 23 points and five rebounds. This was a season and career high for the sophomore. Her previous best was 20 vs. Temple in January.
- The Bearcats scored 20 points on 17 forced turnovers tonight.
- The five points allowed in the second quarter was fewest points allowed in a quarter by Cincinnati this season since West Carolina (5 on November 23rd).
- This was Cincinnati's first win over Central Michigan since Dec. 17th, 2007.
UP NEXT
The Bearcats are in the middle of a three-game homestand as they welcome Ole Miss on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Fifth Third Arena.