Bearcats WBB is Back on Track, Upends Temple 71-65

The Cincinnati Bearcats women’s basketball team revived their 2020-2021 season yesterday, as they pulled off a significant upset on the road.

Cincinnati (3-7, 2-4 AAC) went to Philadelphia and knocked off a Temple club that was previously undefeated in the league (4-4, 4-1 AAC).

This was a tight contest throughout, as the club’s kept matching baskets for four quarters. This 71-65 game featured 16 lead changes.

As always, the Bearcats were led by senior forward IImar’i Thomas, who pumped in 24 points and snagged 12 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Thomas’ clutch free throw shooting down the stretch proved to be the difference.

Freshman guard Jillian Hayes, who is quickly emerging as Thomas’ scoring sidekick, posted a career-high 20 points in the win.

Cincinnati returns to action on Sunday, as they head down to Orlando for a tilt with the University of Central Florida, a perennial AAC power. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Check back with Down the Drive for full coverage of the contest.