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Cincinnati Bearcats women’s basketball tips off 20 days from today. The Lady Bearcats host Utah, who won 20 games in 2018-19, at Fifth Third Arena on Tuesday November 5. Cincinnati is coming off a 24 win season, their best since 2002.
A big part of the team’s success last year was Antoinette Miller. She started all 35 games, playing 34 minutes per game and lead the team in scoring, averaging 13.6 ppg. She also averaged 5.2 assists per game and 4.7 rebounds per game. She stepped up her game in conference play, averaging 14.6 ppg. Cincinnati finished 12-4, finishing third in the AAC. She led the team in scoring in 11 games and, out of 35 games, led the team in assists 27 times. Miller was named to the All-AAC Second Team last year.
During Media Day this week, Miller, now a senior, was named, to the pre-season All-AAC Second Team, voted on by the coaches.
As a sophomore in 2017-18, Miller played in all 32 games and averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Notable performances in 2018-19
- In a win over Xavier, Miller played all 40 minutes and scored 13 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists.
- In their home game against Connecticut, Cincinnati was competitive, losing 65-55. Miller scored 13 points and had 5 rebounds, 5 assists.
- The Bearcats’ season ended in the Elite 8 of the Women’s NIT in 69-55 loss at TCU. Miller did everything she could to carry the Bearcats, scoring a career-high 25 points on 8-21 shooting in 38 minutes. Also career-highs from that game were her 8 field goals made, 9 three pointers attempted, and 11 free throws attempted.
- Miller scored 16 points in the WNIT round 1 victory over Youngstown State.
- She recorded a double-double in an 80-56 home win against Memphis, scoring 11 points and dishing out a career-high 12 assists.
- In the regular season finale, an 80-65 win at Tulane, Miller got a career-high 6 steals, to go with her 16 points
Expectations are high for the Bearcats in the second year under Head Coach Michelle Clark-Head.
For the Bearcats to replicate and exceed their success from 2018-19, Miller will need to continue to progress and take an even bigger step in her development and continue leading the way for Cincinnati.