Dec. 16, 2011

Cincinnati Game Notes | Miami (OH) Game Notes

CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati women’s basketball team will attempt to return to its winning ways when it travels to local rival Miami (OH) on Saturday, Dec. 17 for a 2 p.m. tip. Fans can listen to the game live on GoBEARCATS.com with Scott Waldrop on the call.

Bearcats Against the RedHawks
Miami (OH) is UC’s fourth-longest rivalry dating back to Feb. 24, 1973. The RedHawks have the 17-15 all-time series lead, but Cincinnati has a 6-5 edge in games played in Oxford. The two Ohio schools renewed their rivalry last season after playing against each other for 21-straight seasons. The RedHawks won last year’s battle, 65-56, on Jan. 2, 2011, when Chanel Chisholm scored a career-high 20 points on a career-best 10-of-13 shooting. The rest of the Bearcats combined to shoot just 4-of-41 from the field, and only graduated senior Shareese Ulis and Kayla Cook hit field goals.

Last Time Out
Cincinnati lost its BIG EAST opener to Louisville on Wednesday, Dec. 14. The Bearcats led for the majority of the game, but came up short, 64-59. Four players scored in double figures for the Bearcats, including Bjonee Reaves who led all scorers with 18 points, while Tiffany Turner recorded her second double-double this season with 11 points and 11 boards.

The Bearcats tied it up three minutes into the second stanza and took the lead at the 14:31 mark when Hollins nailed a 3-ball to make it 36-33. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Cook and Reaves gave Cincinnati its largest lead, 46-39, midway through the second half, but Hollins left the game with a shoulder injury and UC was left to fend without its leading scorer. It maintained the lead until 2:37 was left on the clock and couldn’t hold on as the Cardinals shot a 4-of-4 at the line to settle the 64-59 score.

Scouting the RedHawks
Miami (OH) is on a two-game winning streak after beating Wright State, 70-63, on Dec. 13. It is led by Courtney Osborn, who is averaging 17.6 ppg and 5.2 apg, and Kristen Olowisnki who is grabbing a team-best 8.2 rpg. Osborn finished the game against Wright State with 27 points, seven boards, four assists and a career-high seven steals. The RedHawks were picked to finish second in the MAC East Division.

Up Next
The Bearcats host Indianapolis for a 7 p.m. matchup on Monday, Dec. 19. It will be televised on FOX Sports Ohio. UC Athletics will be collecting toy donations for Toys for Tots on the East concourse. Fans that bring an unwrapped toy ($10 value) are admitted into the game for only $1. Fans are also encouraged to dress in their favorite ugly sweater for a chance to win a prize. It is dollar night at the concessions stand as all hot dogs, popcorn, small soda, peanuts and bottled waters are $1.