WBB Hammers Southeastern Louisiana 82-43, Wins Second Straight

The Cincinnati Bearcats women’s basketball team hammered the Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) Lions this evening 82-43 at St. Ursula Academy. The win improves Cincinnati’s mark to 2-1. The loss drops SLU to 0-3.

The victory is Cincinnati’s second straight on this seven game homestand. Their performance this evening bodes well not only for their present but also the program’s future.

Many younger players gained valuable experience in the win. All 13 Bearcats played tonight and all 13 of them scored.

Every key statistical indicator heavily favored Cincinnati. The Bearcats shot better than 60 percent from the floor, including 7 for 15 from outside. UC out-rebounded the Lions 42-25. The Bearcats posted 22 assists and scored 44 points in the paint.

The only concern raised by Cincinnati’s performance tonight was their mediocre foul shooting. UC shot just 63 percent from the stripe on 24 attempts, giving away nine free points that would have been necessary against stronger competition.

The Lions hung tough in the early going, tying the game at 14 with less than three minutes to go in the first quarter. Southeastern Louisiana’s good fortunes did not last long. Cincinnati blitzed SLU with an 8-0 run to end the first quarter, which was highlighted by an Ana Owens three-pointer. Team co-captain Owens, who only played 20 minutes in the lopsided win, led the team with five assists.

UC put the game away in the second quarter, outscoring the Lions 22-5. Coach Jamelle Elliott relied almost exclusively on backups in the second half, providing younger players like Michaela Porter, Maya Benham, and Brianna Livingston with valuable experience.

Sophomore guard Antoinette Miller led the Bearcats in scoring with 16 points. Freshman phenom Iimar’i Thomas notched 15 points on perfect 6 for 6 shooting from the power forward position.

Senior forward Caitlyn Williams led the way for the bedraggled Lions with 11 points.

Cincinnati looks to make it three in a row when they host rival Miami (Ohio) at 2 PM this Saturday at St. Ursula Academy. Go support your Bearcats in person or head to GoBearcats.com to watch the game live.