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Lady Muskies Drop Hard Fought Contest to UC in Shootout
By
Musketeer Madness,
12/15/2024
The Xavier women’s basketball team dropped a hard-fought contest in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Shootout on Sunday afternoon, falling 60-48 to Cincinnati at the Cintas Center. The loss moves the Musketeers to 4-6 on the season, while the Bearcats improve to 7-3.
Xavier started the game strong, holding an early lead and finishing the first quarter up 12-11. The Musketeers trailed 28-26 at halftime, with Daniela López contributing a strong performance off the bench, finishing with a team-high 13 points and seven rebounds. Despite their efforts, Cincinnati pulled away in the final quarter, outscoring Xavier 23-10.
Júlia Garcia Roig added nine points and provided crucial minutes, while Meri Kanerva contributed 11 points and five assists. Xavier’s shooting struggles proved costly, as the team converted only 5-of-18 three-point attempts (27.8%) and 5-of-9 free throws (55.6%). The Musketeers’ bench accounted for 22 points, showcasing depth but falling short against Cincinnati’s defensive pressure.
Jillian Hayes dominated for the Bearcats, recording a double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Chloe Mann added eight points off the bench, while Cincinnati’s relentless defense forced 19 Xavier turnovers, converting them into 19 points. The Bearcats’ ability to control the boards, with a 40-29 rebounding edge, played a pivotal role in their victory.
Looking ahead, Xavier will close out non-conference play at the Raising The B.A.R. Invitational on Dec. 21-22 in Berkeley, California. The Musketeers will face Temple at 11 p.m. ET on Dec. 21 at Haas Pavilion to open the invitational. With an opportunity to regroup and gain momentum before Big East play, Xavier will aim to build on the positives from Sunday’s performance and continue developing experience.
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