This morning the Bearcats (2-1) welcomed in the Toldeo Rockets (2-0) to Fifth Third Arena for their annual education day. The Rockets are returning all five starters from last season where they went 29-6 on the season and won the MAC. Coach Heard and the Bearcats come into this one knowing they have to find a way to contain guard Quinesha Lockett, who averages 18.5 points per game, seven rebounds and five assists through the first two games of the season. However, the Bearcats have a huge opportunity here early in the season to pick up a huge non conference win versus a very good Toledo team that could really benefit them late in the season if they can get the job done.
The Bearcats would set the tone early as they took an early 7-4 lead over the Rockets until a Jayda Jansen three tied this one up at 7 as the Rockets were starting to find their grove offensively after a slow start to this one. The Bearcats would look to attack and get downhill as senior guard Mya Jackson was quick to make the Rockets make some early adjustments as she had a game high five points, as we were tied at nine halfway through the first quarter. The Rockets would finish the first quarter on a six-point run as they took a 15-12 after they found a way to get Lonaisa Brewer involved as she made an immediate impact off the bench.
The Rockets would keep the momentum going into the second quarter as they jumped out to a 19-12 lead before Mya Jackson would end the Rockets run as she continued to give the Rockets problems early. Jackson really changed the momentum of this game early as she was doing a fantastic job at getting downhill and finishing at the rim. The Rockets would, however, take a 29-23 lead heading into the break, but the story of the first half was the play of Bearcats guard Mya Jackson. Jackson finished the first half with a game high 13 points while shooting 5-8 from the field. Jackson was doing a great job at attacking downhill and getting to the rim, which should allow Jillian Hayes and Caitlyn Wilson to get going in the second half.
The Bearcats came out of the break and found a way to pound the rock inside as Jillian Hayes and Jada Scott combined for a quick eight points to start the second half. Coach Heard and staff were making it and emphasis to get inside and attack the rim as this time Jackson drive baseline and go high off the glass on the reverse layup to cut the Rockets deficit to two, as they trailed 33-31. The Bearcats would find a way to get Hayes to get going as she finished the 3rd quarter with 12 points on 4-of-4 shooting, as the Bearcats took a 45-44 lead to the fourth quarter.
The Bearcats would gain huge traction after a huge and-1 opportunity by Hayes to tie this one up at 47 with seven minutes remaining in the game. Braylyn Milton would connect on a huge three for her first points of the game to give the Bearcats a 50-47 lead. The Bearcats continued to get stops on defense as they held the Rockets without a field goal for nearly five minutes down the final stretch. The Rockets would claw back and tie this game at 58 after a pair of free throws from Sophia Wiard with 13 seconds left. Jackson would have a great look to win this one for the Bearcats, but couldn’t get the shot to fall and we would head to overtime tied at 58.
Wilson would come out with a quick five points to start the overtime period to give the Bearcats a 63-60 lead over the Rockets. The Rockets would respond and take a huge 72-68 lead before Jackson would connect from deep and make this a one-point game with 35 seconds remaining. The Bearcats would get the stop on defense they were looking for but would ultimately give the ball back after a turnover. The Rockets would knock down the free throws and take a 74-71 lead with three seconds left giving coach Heard and the Bearcats one final opportunity to send this to another overtime.
The Bearcats would ultimately fall 74-71 despite a huge afternoon from Hayes who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds. Jackson was the player of the game in this contest as the senior guard finished with a game high 24 points. Jackson really set the tone early for the Bearcats and continues to be a huge leader for this young Bearcats team as she came into this one averaging 13.7 points per game, and with her 24-point performance today she continues to be a difference maker for coach Heard and the Bearcats.
The Bearcats (2-2) will look to bounce back in the win column next Monday at 8 pm as they travel to Missouri to take on Lindenwood (0-2).
