Batavia, OH - Third ranked Johnson & Wales Charlotte opened 2025 with a 73-65 win over #5 Cincinnati-Clermont on Thursday night.

The Wildcats fell behind 10-2 in the game's first four minutes before scoring 9 of the last 11 points of the first period to trail by just 2, 18-16 after ten minutes. JWU took their first lead of the contest on a Kyrah Davis three pointer three minutes into the second period, and carried that one point lead into the locker room, 32-31.

The third quarter proved pivotal, as the Wildcats outscored the Cougars by ten, 17-7, shooting 7-17 from the field, while holding Clermont to just 2 of 18 field goal attempts. JWU built as large as a fourteen point lead in the period, but the Cougars wouldn't go away quietly, trimming the Wildcat advantage to just one with seven minutes left in the game. JWU responded over the next two minutes to extend their lead to seven, keyed by five points from Loshi Ward. Three pointers by Davis and Jordan Durant on consecutive possessions around the two minute mark sealed the win.

Durant led the Wildcats with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Gabby Tapley posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Davis had 14 points, while Samara Britt scored 7 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

JWU continues its New Year's road swing on Saturday when they take on 4th ranked Miami-Hamilton at 12:00pm.