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Cincinnati Bearcats to Play in Women’s NIT

The Bearcats are back in the postseason for a second-straight year.

NCAA Womens Basketball: Cincinnati at Connecticut David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bearcats will return to the Women’s NIT for the second consecutive season, as they were among the field of 64 teams that was announced on Monday night.

The Bearcats went 21-10 this season and 12-4 in the American Athletic Conference. They are led by first-team all-league forward IImar’I Thomas, who is averaging 13.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, and Antoinette Miller, who provides additional scoring, especially from three, and runs the offense, leading the team with 5.4 assists per game. The roster has plenty of depth beyond their two stars with AAC Newcomer of the Year Florence Sifa and three-point shooters Nikira Goings and Sam Rodgers.

In the first round of the tournament, the Bearcats will contend with Youngstown State.

First Look: Youngstown State

Record Scoring Offense Scoring Defense FG% 3P% FT% Rebounds Assist-to-Turnover
Record Scoring Offense Scoring Defense FG% 3P% FT% Rebounds Assist-to-Turnover
22-9 69.1 PPG 57.0 PPG 42.2 33.7 76.9 39.1 per game 1.1

Although the Bearcats missed on their NCAA Tournament aspirations in their first season under head coach Michelle Clark-Heard, there is no denying that they are on an upward trajectory. They made the WNIT last season after securing 19 total victories but lost to Michigan State in the first round. They will attempt to make it further this year, beginning with their first round matchup on Thursday.