TicketsTHE SERIES
USF leads the overall series 20-16 and has an 8-7 advantage on UC's campus.
Last time UC faced USF, the Bearcats pushed then No. 12 ranked Bulls into overtime before falling 69-65. IImar'I Thomas and Caitlyn Wilson came alive in the second half and nearly pulled off UC's first win over a ranked opponent since a 65-62 victory over No. 24 Marquette during the 2010-11 campaign. Wilson scored all of her 18 points in the second half, including eight in the third quarter on a pair of 3-pointers.
SCOUTING THE BEARCATS
The Bearcats wrapped up conference play going 7-5 overall and 6-2 at home.
This is the first game for the Bearcats since December 22, 2021 due to COVID-19 cancellation against Lipscomb (12/29) and postponement at Tulsa (1/1). Last time out, UC fought hard, but fell on the road at Marquette 60-49. The Bearcats shot 90.9% from the free throw line and muscled 26 points in the paint.
Junior point guard Akira Levy ranks second in the conference and 20th in the nation in assists (69) and assists per game (5.8). She is first in the conference and 21st in the national in steals (34), first in the AAC and 28th in the NCAA in steals per game (5.8), and is also first in the conference and 40th in the nation with free throws made (50).
Levy leads the Bearcats in points (175), points per game (14.6), field goals made (55), 3PT field goals (15), and minutes played (416), averaging 34.7 minutes a game.
Sophomore guard Jillian Hayes leads the team in rebounds (80) and blocks (16). She recorded seven steals in the game against Marquette, the most steals of any AAC player in a game so far this season.
SCOUTING THE BULLSThe Bulls finished non-conference play 10-4, with big wins over Syracuse, No. 9 Oregon, No. 7 Stanford, and RV West Virginia. This is USF's first conference matchup following a postponement against Memphis on Jan. 2 due to COVID-19.
Last time the Bulls saw action, the then-No. 22 ranked USF defeated Jacksonville 70-57. Elena Tsineke scored 22 points, her 42nd career double-figure scoring game in her 61st career game. Bethy Mununga had 21 points and 12 rebound, her 43rd career double-figure rebounding game and her 24th career double-double.
Head coach Jose Fernandez earned his 400th career win on Dec. 17. USF has made 16 postseason tournament appearances and had seven NCAA Tournament berths in head coach Jose Fernandez's 21 seasons. The all-time winningest coach in program history, Fernandez has guided USF to nine 20-win seasons, two WNIT final four appearances, and the 2009 WNIT championship.
PARKING
Cash parking will be available at Corry Garage on campus for $5.
Can't make it to Fifth Third Arena? The game will broadcast on ESPN+ and fans are encouraged to sign up for the digital platform online.
GAME PROMOTIONS
Autograph sessions are back! The team will sign autographs on the court following the game.
TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
Conference play tips-off this week and the Bearcats need you in Fifth Third Arena! Pick any two of the conference games between Temple, UCF, Memphis, or ECU for just $16. This exclusive deal is only while supplies last so secure your seats today. For more information on how to purchase this package, you can reach out directly to the Bearcats Ticket Office at 513-CATS TIX (513-228-7849) or click here to purchase.
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.