This afternoon, the Bearcats (1-1) welcomed in Radford (1-1) for game two of a doubleheader here at Fifth Third Arena as the Men’s team defeated Eastern Kentucky 87-69. The Bearcats were looking to keep the momentum going after a huge 68-57 victory over Tennessee Tech on Thursday night,
The Bearcats would jump out to an early 7-3 lead behind a great start from senior point guard Mya Jackson, who had five of the teams seven points to give the Bearcats an early lead halfway through the first quarter. The Bearcats would get off to a slow start though as they were shooting only 25% from the field but were connecting from deep as they were 66% from behind the arch.
The Bearcats would take a 14-7 lead heading into the second quarter where they were led by Jackson who had five early points for the Bearcats as she has continued to show why she is such an impactful player for head coach Michelle Clark-Heard and staff. Jillian Hayes continued to make her presence known on the glass as the junior had five rebounds in the first 15 minutes of play and continued to be a huge part of the Bearcats success on both ends of the court.
The Bearcats would take a 25-22 lead heading to the break after a huge second quarter by the Highlanders as they finished the first half on an 11-1 run as they chipped away at the Bearcats early lead. The Bearcats were led by Clarissa Craig and Caitlyn Wilson who each had six early points for the Bearcats, all six behind the arch for Wilson.
The Bearcats would take a huge 35-27 lead following a seven-point run after a huge three by Caitlin Wilson that forced a Highlanders timeout with 6:55 remaining in the third quarter. Wilson, known for being shooter just couldn’t miss today for the Bearcats as the senior guard was on fire from behind the arch as she started 5-of-5 from the field with 15 points, all from behind the arch. The Bearcats would take a 54-42 lead to the fourth quarter as they continued to extend their lead over the Highlanders.
The Bearcats kept their foot on the gas behind a stellar performance on both ends of the court as they held the Highlanders to just 34% shooting in today’s 62-53 victory. The Bearcats saw four players score in double figures where they were led by Caitlin Wilson who finished with a game high 15 points, all from behind the arc. Jillian Hayes also recorded her fourth career double-double as she finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks as she continued her hot start to her junior season. Clarissa Craig was a difference maker for the Bearcats as well as her and Hayes were giving the Highlanders a lot of problems in the paint. Craig finished with a new career high 11 points and five rebounds in just 17 minutes of action.
The Bearcats improve to 2-1 on the season and will be back in action this Wednesday at 11 am when they welcome in undefeated Toledo to Fifth Third Arena for some early morning basketball action.
