University at Buffalo
6-16, 2-7MAC
Eastern Michigan
16-5, 6-3MAC
Late Second Half Charge Falls Short Against EMU
2/3/2010 12:00:00β―AM | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's basketball team was able to cut a 17-point second half deficit to four, but the MAC's leading scorer and the Eastern Michigan Eagles held on for a 78-65 victory, Wednesday night at Alumni Arena. Junior Kourtney Brown led the way for the Bulls with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The two teams traded the lead back and forth in the early going of the game as UB hit eight of their first nine shots of the contest. The Bulls led early on at 9-3, but the Eagles went on to take the lead and led by six when a 6-0 UB run pulled the Bulls even at 27 with 3:52 left in the opening half. From there, EMU ended the half on a 9-2 run, including a layup as time expired.
Jessica Fortman |
The Eagles led by as many as 17 points in the second half following a three-point play from Cassie Schrock to go up 68-51 with 7:57 left in the half. The Bulls responded by going on a 14-1 run over the next six minutes to pull within four on two free throws from Brown. Brown had eight points during the run, all coming from the free throw line. However, the Bulls would not get any closer as EMU hit nine of their final 10 free throws for the final margin.
The Bulls had three players in double figures led by the 25 points and 10 boards from Brown, her 12th double-double of the season. Brown went 13-of-17 from the free throw line, marking a new career-high for made free throws in a game. She also added three blocks and an assist. Eight of Brown's rebounds were on the offensive end as she continues to sit second in the nation in that category.
Jessica Fortman just missed the double-double with 14 points and a season-high nine rebounds. She added three assists, a block and two steals. Brittany Hedderson finished with 10 points and two rebounds. Freshman Abby Dowd finished with seven points and two assists.
Brittany Hedderson |
The Eagles were led by two players who combined to score 62 of their 78 points. Tavelyn James, the MAC's leading scorer, recorded 40 points on 13-of-22 shooting and a 9-for-11 performance from the free throw line. Sydney Huntley added 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting. The Eagles only recorded four made field goals from the 11 other players in the ball game.
The Bulls remain home this Saturday as they host Central Michigan at 2:00 pm. Saturday is also National Girls and Women In Sports Day.
