TicketsCINCINNATI – Redshirt sophomore Ramiyah Byrd delivered a standout performance in her first career start, recording a double-double to lead five Bearcats in double figures as the University of Cincinnati women’s basketball team cruised past Arizona, 77-61, on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Arena.
Byrd posted career highs with 14 points and 15 rebounds for the second double-double of her career, stepping up for a Bearcats squad missing three forwards due to injuries. Cincinnati improved to 9-16 overall and 4-9 in Big 12 play, while Arizona fell to 11-13 and 2-11.
Joining Byrd in double figures were junior Reagan Jackson (19), senior Mya Perry (17), freshman Joya Crawford (12) and freshman Caliyah DeVillasee (10).
The Bearcats shot 39.7% from the field and 33.3% from three, while Arizona managed 41% overall and just 20% from beyond the arc.
Cincinnati dominated the boards, outrebounding Arizona 49-29 and posting more than 20 offensive rebounds for the second consecutive game, which fueled a 22-2 advantage in second-chance points.
The Bearcats jumped to an early 10-6 lead on an eight-point run in the first five minutes. Perry and DeVillasee each hit 3-pointers after the run, helping Cincinnati take a 25-15 lead after the first quarter.
Byrd shined in the second quarter, converting two and-ones and finishing the half with 12 points and nine rebounds. The Bearcats outscored Arizona 21-7 and held the Wildcats scoreless for the final 3:34 of the half.
Cincinnati extended its lead in the third quarter, hitting its largest margin at 51-26 after a Perry 3-pointer and a Crawford layup with 6:56 remaining. Arizona would not get closer than 16 points the rest of the way as the Bearcats cruised to a 77-61 victory.