SMU defeated Memphis in extra frames and No. 1/1 UConn set a new team record in blocks to highlight women’s basketball action in the American Athletic Conference on Tuesday.
Akil Simpson had her fifth double-double of the year (22 points, 13 rebounds) in SMU’s 80-75 double-overtime win over Memphis. The Mustangs hit four free throws with under two minutes remaining to seal the victory in double OT. Ariel Hearn scored a team-high 17 points and dished out five assists for the Tigers. Pa’Sonna Hope led all players with a game-high 15 rebounds.
Breanna Stewart had 24 points and nine rebounds leading UConn to a 90-40 win over Houston at Gampel Pavilion. She added six blocks as the Huskies set a new program record with 17 team blocks. Stefanie Dolson added eight points, nine rebounds and a career-high seven swats for UConn. Marche’ Amerson and Alecia Smith had 11 points each for the Cougars. Smith also pulled down a team-high tying five rebounds.
Rutgers defeated Cincinnati, 78-58 and picked up its eighth straight win in the process. Kahleah Copper paced the Scarlet Knights with a game-high 21 points. Tyler Scaife and Betnijah Laney added 18 and 16, respectively. Scaife’s 18 points tied a career-high. The Bearcats were led by Jeanise Randolph’s 16 points. Alyesha Lovett and Kayla Cook also scored in double-figures, contributing 11 and 10 points, respectively.
USF held off Temple, 64-51 and won their third consecutive contest Tuesday night at the Sun Dome. Alisia Jenkins led all players with a career-high 18 points to go along with 12 rebounds. Inga Orekhova added 10 points and four rebounds while Akila McDonald came up big on the defensive end with 10 boards and five blocks. Three Owls scored in double-figures including Feyonda Fitzgerald (17 points), Natasha Thames (12 points) and Shi-Heria Shipp (10 points). Fitzgerald passed out a game-high four assists.
Conference play continues on Saturday, Jan. 11. UConn plays host to Temple (Noon eastern) while SMU and Rutgers battles at 2 p.m in the first game of a doubleheader on The American Digital Network. Memphis faces UCF in the second contest at 4 p.m. ET. Cincinnati and Houston will tip-off at 3 p.m. eastern with both teams seeking their first league win.