CINCINNATI -The University of Cincinnati women's basketball team opened up their 2021-22 season with a 73-60 win over Alabama A&M Friday night in Fifth Third Arena. 

The Bearcats shot 42.4% from the field and 25% from three-point land. Cincinnati outrebounded Alabama 50-41 and never trailed at any point in the game. Cincinnati held their opponents to only 26.8% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range.

The game started even until UC went on separate 6-0 runs in the first quarter to give them a 20-6 lead going into the second quarter. A&M didn't make any of their field goal attempts in the first quarter. 

The second quarter started with both teams trading points until UC went on a 6-1 run to push their lead to 19 points. Hayes led all Bearcats with nine points, four rebounds, one block, and two steals. Niang had eight points and eight rebounds in the half.

The Bearcats continued to shoot well in the third period to extend their lead to 57-43. The Bearcats lead never dropped below 13 points as they grabbed 10 rebounds. 

Cincinnati shot over 50% in the second half and held their opponents to 28% from the floor in the fourth quarter to roll to the victory.

Cincinnati held Alabama A&M scored only six points in the first quarter, lowest in a quarter since they allowed four to UCF on February 15th, 2020.

Jillian Hayes had 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals.

Arame Niang had a team high 11 rebounds to go along with eight points.

Akira Levy led the team with six assists and four steals to go along with 12 points.

Malea Williams had a team best +17 in 19 minutes played, also contributed with nine points and five rebounds.

The Bearcats are right in the middle of a three-game homestand and have a quick turnaround when they host Bellarmine on Friday November 12th at 7 p.m. Game will be available on ESPN+.