Women’s basketball hits big shots late, knocks off Cincinnati 79-62
Senior guard Micaela Kelly missed her first nine shots. CMU coach Heather Oesterle could see Kelly's confidence wavering as she began passing up opportunities.
Heading into the final media timeout, Oesterle relayed a message to Kelly and sophomore point guard Molly Davis.
She wanted Kelly to shoot. The team needed her to.
Kelly did just that, nailing a pair of 3-pointers to kill a Cincinnati rally and push the Chippewas to victory, 79-62, Saturday in McGuirk Arena.
Kelly managed to finish with 13 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, making an impact in every facet of the game.
”I call (Kelly) the heart and hustle of this team,” said senior forward Kyra Bussell. “She is truly an exceptional player.”
The two teams were tied at 27 after one quarter, with CMU dominating the first five minutes and the Bearcats owning the final five.
CMU took a six-point advantage into the locker room and doubled it going into the fourth.
Cincinnati put together a run to cut the Chippewa lead to six, but Kelly and Bussell each hit big shots to put the game away.
Davis had a solid day operating the offense, scoring 25 points on the strength of four-for-six shooting beyond the arc.
Cincinnati star Ilmar’I Thomas scored 25 as well, using her size inside to generate opportunities.
But outside of Thomas, no Bearcat had more than eight points. Bussell, junior forward Jahari Smith and sophomore wing Annika Weekes defended well and the Chippewas employed a zone defense to limit inside chances.
Bussell notched a double-double, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 boards.
Fellow senior Maddy Watters scored 16, nailing four triples for the second consecutive game after missing the season opener.
Having Watters available for spot-up opportunites allows players such as Davis and Kelly to drive to the basket. With defenders unable to help off of Watters, easier shots are created.
“I can’t say enough good things about (Watters),” Oesterle said. “She’s so steady.“
CMU next takes the court at 2 p.m Dec. 15 against Miami (Ohio) in McGuirk Arena.
