University of Cincinnati bearcats huddle during a timeout at a women’s basketball game against Iowa State Cyclones on Jan. 7, 2025, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati.
Rama Diallo | Staff Photographer
On Feb. 14, 2026, the University of Cincinnati (UC) women’s basketball team traveled to the Jon M. Huntsman Center to face the University of Utah (UU) Utes, where they fell 67-59 in Salt Lake City.
UC entered with a 9-16 record overall, fresh off a 77-61 home victory against the University of Arizona Wildcats.
Despite the momentum, the Bearcats have struggled to find consistency on the road and continue to battle injuries – particularly in the forward position – forcing them to lean heavily on their first-year class.
Coming off two straight losses, Utah came in with a 16-9 overall record. The Utes have been a strong shooting team all season, posting a +117-point differential and using a balanced offensive approach.
The game opened with a physical, defensive-heavy battle with both teams struggling to establish rhythm early.
Utes fourth-year guard Lani White struck first with a 3-pointer to set the tone for UU, but UC guards first-year Caliyah DeVillasee and third-year Reagan Jackson responded to keep things close.
The Bearcats’ active hands and early control of the boards disrupted Utah’s flow, allowing UC to take a 13-12 lead after the first quarter.
Utah found its rhythm to open the second quarter, moving the ball effectively and capitalizing on transition opportunities from guards first-year Maty Wilke and White.
UC answered with a pair of free throws from first-year guard Dee Alexander and fourth-year forward Alliance Ndiba to cut the deficit to three. However, Utah continued to connect from beyond the arc, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to stretch its lead to eight at halftime.
The Utes carried that momentum into the second half, extending their lead to double digits. White continued to attack from deep, finishing with a game-high 23 points.
The Utes’ defensive adjustments made UC’s offense uncomfortable – disrupting lanes and limiting possessions in the paint.
Through three quarters, UU assisted on all 19 made field goals – a testament to their ball movement and chemistry.
Meanwhile, UC’s offense stalled, and the paint advantage they had earlier flipped in UU’s favor.
Though UC’s first-year forward Kylie Torrence and third-year center Destiny Thomas provided interior scoring to keep the Bearcats within striking distance, Utah entered the fourth quarter firmly in control at 49-35.
The Bearcats refused to go away quietly, reflecting the fight they’ve shown all season. An 8-0 run to start the fourth cut the deficit to single digits, and fourth-year guard Mya Perry knocked down a clutch corner 3-pointer to bring UC within five points.
Each time the Bearcats began to chip away, the Utes strongly answered. White delivered a dagger three, while third-year forward Reese Ross’ timely buckets steadied UU down the stretch.
Despite three Bearcats finishing in double figures – DeVillasee with 13, Torrence with 10, and Jackson with 10 – UC struggled to generate consistent offense, shooting 38% from the field and 18% from beyond the arc.
Up next, the Bearcats will travel to take on the Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars in Provo, UT, on Feb. 17, 2026, at 9 p.m.