6-14 (1-5)
Northern Illinois
7-11 (1-5)
Stingy Buffalo Defense Leads Bulls To First MAC Win
1/22/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
DEKALB, IL – The University at Buffalo women's basketball team held the host Northern Illinois Huskies to 27.3% shooting as the Bulls defeated NIU, 62-46, ending a six-game losing skid and picking up their first conference win of the year.
The Bulls dominated the majority of the first half after NIU scored the first point of the game on a free throw. The Bulls answered with a three-pointer and NIU would tie it up just one more time at 3-3. The Bulls responded with an 11-0 run and never looked back, getting their lead up to 24 on a Valerie Majewski three pointer at the 4:43 mark. The Huskies went on to score the final 11 points of the first half, but the Bulls still went into the break leading, 35-22.
The Bulls began the second half with seven straight points to retake a 20-point advantage at 42-22 and led by at least double figures for all of the final 20 minutes. The only drawback for the Bulls was 20 second half turnovers, but they were able to limit the damage thanks to their defensive performance.
"We really challenged the team to play defense for 40 minutes after what happened on Thursday night and they definitely responded today," said head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. "I thought we got great energy and contributions from every player today and that was a big reason for our success."
Senior Brittany Hedderson led the way with a game-high 29 points, her sixth straight 20 point game. She went 8-for-15 from the floor, including 5-of-7 from behind the arc. Hedderson added eight rebounds and three steals. Redshirt sophomore Nytor Longar also finished in double figures with 10 points.
Senior Beth Christensen had a career game as she brought down 16 rebounds, including 14 on the defensive end. She added three points, three assists, a block and two steals. Margeaux Gupilan added six points and four assists, while Teresa Semalulu added four points, four assists and three steals.
Majewski and junior Nicki Hopkins each had three points, while freshman Christa Baccas added four points, two blocks and one steal.
The Bulls will continue play against the MAC West at home on Wednesday night as they host Eastern Michigan. Tip off against the Eagles is set for 7:00 pm.
