University at Buffalo
5-13, 3-2MAC
Ball State
7-11, 4-1MAC
Turnovers Costly As Bulls Fall To Ball State, 69-55
1/23/2013 12:00:00β―AM | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women's basketball dropped its second straight game on Wednesday night as they committed 21 first-half turnovers, falling to Ball State, 69-55. The loss drops Buffalo to 5-13 on the season and 3-2 in the MAC.
The Bulls outshot Ball State in the opening half, but managed to take just 19 shots because they turned it over 21 times. Buffalo held an early 7-5 advantage, but led just two times all evening as Ball State went on a 10-0 run midway through the first half to go up 18-9. The Cardinals built on their lead and took a 32-18 lead into the half.
Buffalo did a better job holding on to the ball in the second half and began the second half on a 17-5 run, pulling within two at 37-35 on a three pointer from freshman Mackenzie Loesing. However, Ball State answered immediately with a three-point play, and ultimately went on an 8-0 run. The Cardinals did not score a field goal for the final 7:26 of the game, but went 17-of-21 from the free throw line. In fact, Ball State went to the free throw line 24 times in the second half and 39 times all together, opposed to just 12 trips for the Bulls.
The Bulls got another double-double from redshirt sophomore Kristen Sharkey, who finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds, a new career-high in boards. She added two blocks and a steal. Loesing had 18 points and four rebounds, while redshirt junior Cherridy Thornton added seven points and seven rebounds. Freshman Karin Moss had eight points and three rebounds.
Off the bench, senior Nicki Hopkins had three points and a career-high five assists. Sophomore Sloane Walton added three points and classmate Kaila Callender added two points. Junior Margeaux Gupilan finished with three points and four assists.
Ball State, which dressed only seven players, was led by 29 points and 11 rebounds from Brandy Woody, who also had seven steals. Shanee' Jackson finished with 15 points and Shelbie Justice added 11 points.
The Bulls continue their two-game homestand on Saturday afternoon when they host Western Michigan at 2pm. Prior to tip off, the Bulls will honor Brenna Doty as a "Legend of the Hardwood."
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