TicketsTHE SERIES
Memphis and Cincinnati have one of the longest rivalries in Bearcats women's basketball history. Memphis leads overall series 36-24 and at Memphis they lead 18-8.
Last time out, the Bearcats and Tigers faced off in the first round of the AAC Championships in Fort Worth Texas. UC secured the 78-67 win behind four double-digit performances. Arame Niang posted 14 points, seven rebounds and set career-highs with six assists and six blocks. Caitlyn Wilson reached double figures in scoring for the ninth time in the last 10 games, adding 11 points, three 3-pointers and three steals.
SCOUTING THE BEARCATS
After starting off AAC play 0-4, the Bearcats have gone 3-1 in their last four contests. The Bearcats improved to 10-10 overall and 3-5 in conference play after overcoming a 21-point deficit to secure the 66-60 win over Tulsa Saturday afternoon. Niang led four Bearcats in double figures with a new season high 18 points. Sophomore guard Jillian Hayes stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Junior guard Caitlyn Wilson and freshman guard Braylyn Milton both recorded three 3-point baskets in the game.
Arame Niang earned a spot on the AAC Weekly Honor Roll on Jan. 31 after averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game while shooting 65.2 percent (15-of-23).
Akira Levy leads the team in points per game (12.3) and assists (105). Sophomore guard Jillian Hayes leads the team in points (238) field goals made a game (4.2), free throws made (72), rebounds (146), steals (45) and blocks (29) while junior forward Caitlyn Wilson leads the team in three point shots (43) and three point shots a game (2.1).
Memphis moved to 12-6 overall and 3-4 in AAC play following a 64-61 win over Temple. Madison Griggs had a day from the floor with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting and 4-for-6 from three-point range. Jamirah Shutes was right there with her with 17 points and a team best five rebounds. The point guard duo of Maya Stovall and Emani Jefferson distributed the ball extremely, combining for nine of the team's 11 assists. As a team, Memphis shot 44.6% from the field and 44% from long range.
Rebounding has been a strong point for Memphis this season, averaging 39.5 total rebounds per game, an AAC fifth-best and the team is holding their opponents to under 60 points per game. The Tigers continue to be a force on the boards ranking as one of the top teams in the AAC with a +5.6 rebound margin. They rank 59th in NCAA DI.
Memphis is going for their third consecutive AAC home win after they took down Temple 64-61.
HOW TO WATCHThe contest will stream on ESPN+ and you can watch it here.
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.