University at Buffalo
1-0
Binghamton
0-1
Bulls Cruise to Season-Opening Win
11/8/2013 12:00:00β―AM | Women's Basketball
VESTAL, NY - Coming into a season with six new players and a new offensive identity, it was a tried and true effort on the defensive end that helped the UB women's basketball team lead from start to finish in a 65-47 win over Binghamton Friday night. The Buffalo defense forced 17 turnovers and held the Bearcats to 17 percent field goal shooting in the first half to build its lead in what was the season opener for both teams. Mackenzie Loesing led all scorers with 16 points in 18 minutes.
With all 12 active players seeing at least seven minutes, the Bulls' defensive intensity came at Binghamton in waves. The defense held the Bearcats to zero points in the first three minutes of the game, and at the 10-minute mark in the half, the Bulls had streaked to a 23-6 lead. A three pointer from Binghamton's Morgan Murphy would make it 23-9, and that would be the closest the host squad would manage the rest of the way.
As the first half concluded, the stats showed off UB's defensive game plan, with Binghamton hitting just 5-29 attempts, and scoring almost half of its 19 points at the free throw line. Loesing, Sloane Walton and Margeaux Gupilan would shoulder the offensive load for the Bulls in the half, combining for 24 points. Gupilan would hit a trio of three pointers to lead all scorers in the half, setting the tone from deep that would see Buffalo making 6-15 attempts after struggling in the exhibition season.
The teams would trade baskets in the second half, with the Bulls using a quick run late in the game to take its biggest lead of the day. Leading 51-36, a 12-2 run capped off by a Walton three pointer gave Buffalo a 63-38 lead. Despite shooting just 28 percent as a team in the final half, Buffalo still outscored Binghamton 29-28 in the half and would force nine turnovers in the final 20 minutes alone.
Despite a close margin of turnovers (17 for Binghamton, 15 for Buffalo), the Bulls were able to take advantage of its defense, scoring 27 points off turnovers while limiting Binghamton to just 13 points on turnovers. Loesing, Walton and Gupilan would all score in double figures, with the senior Gupilan having a solid all-around game. Aside from her scoring, she would pull down three rebounds, make three steals and pass out two assists. For head coach Felisha Legette-Jack, Gupilan brought more than just stats to the team in the opener.
"I liked the fact that we're 12 strong, all 12 of us played and all 12 are going to play. I think that we all bring something different," Jack said. "I think Margeaux did a great job organizing us, commanding us to where we need to be and I think as she continues to grow as a point guard we're going to keep getting better."
The Bulls take the season opener for the fourth time in the past five seasons, and are now 10-2 under coach Jack when allowing 59 points or less in a game. Next up will be a game at Youngstown State this coming Wednesday. Tip time is scheduled for 7:05 pm.
