University at Buffalo
1-3
Penn State
4-1
Second Half Surge Leads Penn State Past Bulls, 86-65
11/27/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
ORONO, ME – A 50-point second half outburst by Penn State led the Lady Lions to an 86-65 victory over the University at Buffalo women's basketball team, Friday evening in the first round of the Dead River Company Classic at Maine's Alfond Arena.
Penn State surged to an early 20-8 lead in the first half, but the Bulls fought back and would go into the half down just five. Part of that run could be attributed to junior Bridgette Kendricks, who twice in the opening half benefited from being at the top of the zone and stealing two passes and converting them into easy layups.
However, the second half belonged to the Lady Lions as they outscored the Bulls 50-34, hitting 56.4 percent of their shots, including an even 50 percent from behind the arc. Penn State began the half on a 26-14 run to pull away from UB. The Bulls tried to make it close, but the Lady Lions converted on their free throw opportunities in the end.
Abby Dowd |
"I thought we brought forth great energy today, but we were unable to execute," said head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. "You have to be able to execute when you play a great team like Penn State and I give them credit because they were able to execute and we weren't."
The Bulls had 12 different players find the scoring column, led by 14 points and 10 rebounds from preseason All-MAC selection Kourtney Brown. Brown also had a game-high five steals. Jessica Fortmanadded 11 points, while Brittany Hedderson also finished in double figures with 10. Freshman Abby Dowd started for the second straight game and had eight points, three rebounds and a team-high four assists. Kendricks finished with seven points, three rebounds and three steals.
Bridgette Kendricks |
Penn State, who shot 52.5 percent for the game, was led by 19 points from Zhaque Gray and 18 points from Tyra Grant. Julia Troggle had 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Bulls will be back in action tomorrow in the consolation game of the Dead River Classic against Maine. Action gets underway at 12:00 pm.
