University at Buffalo
Gannon
Bulls Drop Season-Opening Exhibition, 63-53
11/3/2012 12:00:00β―AM | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY - The visiting Gannon Golden Knights went on a late 14-2 run as they defeated the University at Buffalo women's basketball team, 63-53, in an exhibition contest on Saturday evening. Tonight's game was the first for new UB head women's basketball coach Felisha Legette-Jack.
Gannon, who is ranked as high as 14th in the nation in Division II, shot 36.2 percent from the floor, knocking down eight three pointers in the process. UB, on the other hand, struggled to find the basket as it shot just 26.2 percent, including 3-of-17 from three point range and 18-of-32 from the free throw line.
The Golden Knights held an early seven-point lead in the contest, but the Bulls went on a late 13-0 run in the first half to take a 26-20 lead, capped off on a three pointer from freshman Rachael Gregory, who led all scorers. Gannon scored six straight points to tie it up, but the Bulls managed to take a two-point lead into the half following a pair of free throws from freshman Mackenzie Loesing.
UB's largest lead in the second half came on a Loesing three pointer to give Buffalo a 34-30 advantage, but the Bulls were not able to hold on to it as Gannon came on strong late.
"I thought we came out nervous early on, but then in the middle of the first half it looked like we were starting to have some fun," said Legette-Jack. "Then in the second half we started watching them move the ball a little bit and we lost ourselves out there, but we will get better from this."
Gregory finished with a game-high 17 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the floor and hitting all four of her free throws. She added six rebounds and two assists in her first collegiate game. Loesing followed it up with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and block. Junior Nytor Longar had eight points, 10 rebounds, two block and two steals, while fellow post player Christa Baccas finished with four points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and four steals. In all, 11 players saw action for Buffalo, including all three freshmen. Junior Margeaux Gupilan added three points and three rebounds, while sophomore Sloane Walton picked up her first start and played eight minutes.
Gannon was led by 16 points from Brittany Batts and 11 points from Jen Papich and Candice Hendricks. Jennie Thies added nine rebounds for the Golden Knights.
The Bulls begin the regular season on Friday night at cross-town rival Canisius with opening tip set for 7:00 pm.
