CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Cincinnati women’s basketball team used a decisive third quarter to pull away from UNLV for a 65-48 victory at Fifth Third Arena on Saturday. The Bearcats, led by Alliance Ndiba’s 18 points, outscored the Runnin’ Rebels 22-10 in the third period to break open a close game. Cincinnati dominated inside, scoring 34 points in the paint. Jasmyn Lott scored 16 points for UNLV, which led 27-26 at halftime but could not sustain its offense after the break. The Bearcats improved to 5-6, while UNLV fell to an even 5-5.

CINCINNATI (Interstat) — In a game defined by a decisive third-quarter surge, the Cincinnati Bearcats overcame a sluggish offensive start to defeat the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 65-48 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at Fifth Third Arena. The contest, played before an announced crowd of 381, saw the Bearcats improve to 5-6 on the season, while UNLV fell to an even 5-5. Cincinnati’s victory was powered by a dominant 22-point third quarter that turned a narrow two-point halftime lead into a commanding 14-point advantage. The Bearcats emerged from the locker room with renewed defensive intensity and offensive purpose, outscoring the Runnin’ Rebels 22-10 in the period. This stretch effectively decided the game, as UNLV never managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the final quarter. The catalyst for the Bearcats’ pivotal run was sophomore forward Alliance Ndiba. The 6-foot-3 native of Lubumbashi, Congo, provided a critical spark off the bench, scoring 18 points on efficient 8-of-12 shooting from the field in just 23 minutes. Her presence in the paint was transformative, as she also contributed four blocked shots and altered numerous other attempts. Ndiba’s scoring, particularly on second-chance opportunities with four offensive rebounds, provided Cincinnati with a reliable interior option during the game-breaking run. UNLV, which entered the game as a significant favorite according to advanced statistical projections, struggled mightily with its shooting throughout the afternoon. The Runnin’ Rebels connected on only 17 of 59 field goal attempts, a frigid 28.8 percent. Their offensive woes were encapsulated by an offensive rating of just 68.9 points per 100 possessions. Guard Jasmyn Lott led UNLV with 16 points, but needed 17 shots to reach that total. Aaliyah Alexander added 12 points. Cincinnati, while not shooting lights out at 41 percent, was markedly more efficient, posting an offensive rating of 89.5. The Bearcats also owned the interior, outscoring UNLV 34-14 in the paint, a direct reflection of Ndiba’s impact and the team’s concerted effort to attack the basket. The game began in stark contrast to its finish. UNLV started brightly, leveraging an active defense to build an early lead. The Runnin’ Rebels forced six Cincinnati turnovers in the first quarter and led 16-12 after a Jasmyn Lott three-pointer. However, the Bearcats closed the opening period on an 8-0 run, capped by a Mya Perry jump shot at the buzzer, to take a 20-16 lead. The second quarter was a defensive slog, with both teams combining for just 17 points. Cincinnati managed only six points in the frame, shooting 2-of-15 from the field, but UNLV could not capitalize, scoring 11 points themselves. The Bearcats took a slim 26-27 lead into halftime, setting the stage for the decisive third-quarter explosion. Alongside Ndiba, Cincinnati received balanced scoring. Mya Perry, a guard from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, finished with 13 points, while Reagan Jackson added 11. Guard Kali Barrett facilitated the offense with a team-high three assists. For UNLV, Meadow Roland of Fresno, California, provided energy with eight points, three blocks, and three steals in 34 minutes, but the team’s overall offensive execution faltered against Cincinnati’s tightening defense. The Runnin’ Rebels finished 6-of-22 from three-point range and 8-of-14 from the free-throw line. The victory gives Cincinnati momentum as it prepares to host Howard on Tuesday before a significant Sunday matchup against Oklahoma State. UNLV, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly before a trip to face Grand Canyon on Wednesday. The Bearcats’ ability to impose their will in the paint and unlock Ndiba’s offensive potential in the third quarter proved to be the most important sequence, transforming a tight contest into a comfortable home win.

Preview: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Cincinnati Bearcats CINCINNATI (Interstat) — Two teams looking to steady their nonconference schedules will meet Saturday when the UNLV women’s basketball team visits the Cincinnati Bearcats at Fifth Third Arena. The Runnin’ Rebels (5-4) enter following a 50-75 road loss at Rice on Dec. 6, a game where they were held to a season-low in points. UNLV had previously won three straight, including a 66-39 victory at Texas-San Antonio on Dec. 3. Cincinnati (4-6) seeks to end a two-game skid after a 70-77 home loss to crosstown rival Xavier on Dec. 7 and a 71-75 overtime defeat to Miami (Ohio) on Dec. 3. A key matchup will feature UNLV’s Shelbee Brown against Cincinnati’s high-scoring guard Caliyah DeVillasee. Brown, a consistent contributor, is coming off an 8-point, 7-rebound performance against Rice. Over her last five games, she has averaged 6.8 points and 4.6 rebounds. DeVillasee has been the offensive engine for the Bearcats, averaging 19.7 points and 5.2 assists over her last six contests. She scored 20 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists against Xavier and poured in 23 points in the overtime loss to Miami (Ohio). Containing her will be a primary focus for the UNLV defense. UNLV has shown resilience on the road this season, with wins at Texas-San Antonio and a narrow three-point loss at Arizona State. Cincinnati, however, has struggled to close games, with four of its six losses coming by seven points or fewer, including two in overtime. The Bearcats hold a potent home-court advantage, averaging 81.3 points per game in their three victories at Fifth Third Arena this season. UNLV will counter with a defense that has held opponents under 40 points twice this year. This contest represents a final tune-up for both teams before busy holiday stretches. UNLV visits Grand Canyon on Dec. 17, while Cincinnati hosts Howard on Dec. 16. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Cincinnati.