University at Buffalo
9-9, 2-3MAC
Bowling Green
16-2, 4-1MAC
Bulls Fall Short Against Defending MAC Champions, 72-61
1/18/2011 12:00:00β―AM | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's basketball team knocked down four more shots and had three fewer turnover, but it wasn't enough to knock out the six-time defending MAC Champions as Bowling Green defeated Buffalo, 72-61, Tuesday night at Alumni Arena. The loss evens UB's record to 9-9 on the season and 2-3 in the MAC.
UB got out to a quick lead in the game, opening the contest on an 18-8 run over the first seven and a half minutes of the contest. The Bulls continued to lead by eight with 7:18 left in the first half when the Falcons would go on a 21-4 run to close out the half, taking a nine-point lead into the lockerroom.
The Bulls picked up their defensive intensity in the second half as Bowling Green shot just 31.0 percent from the floor and just 23.1 percent from three point range. The Bulls would cut the lead to just five early on in the second half on a layup from Teresa Semalulu. However, the Falcons used their ability to get to the free throw line to build their lead. BG went 13-of-14 from the free throw line in the second half, opposed to just eight trips for the Bulls. Bowling Green senior Lauren Prochaska went 12-for-12 from the charity stripe in the game, helping her record a game-high 30 points.
"They certainly hit some shots in the first half to get the lead and we had some key players in foul trouble," said head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. "I thought we did a better job defensively in the second half, but to their credit they got to the foul line and hit their shots and I thought that was the difference in the game."
The Bulls had four players in double figures led by Kourtney Brown, who had 14 points, 15 rebounds, six blocks and three steals. The double-double for Brown was the 40th of her career. Junior Brittany Hedderson had 13 points and seven rebounds, while seniors Ashley Zuber and Jessica Fortman each finished with 10 points and narrowly missed double-doubles of their own. Fortman had nine rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while Zuber had a game-high nine assists, while adding three steals. Semalulu finished with four points off the bench.
The Bulls have now completed their first round of games with the MAC East and turn their attention to six games against the MAC West. UB's two-game road trip will start Saturday afternoon at Toledo. Tipoff is set for 4:30 pm.
