Late Comeback Falls Short At Toledo, 67-59

Kourtney Brown records her eighth 20-point game of the season

Kourtney Brown

TOLEDO, OH – The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team had a strong second half trying to erase a 16-point halftime deficit, but the Bulls fell short against Toledo, 67-59, Wednesday night at Savage Arena. The Bulls shot over 44 percent from the floor in the second half, including nearly 42 percent from three.

The Rockets got off to a quick start to the game as they scored 10 of the first 12 points of the contest. Toledo increased the lead to 12-4 before the Bulls were able to fight back to get the game to 12-10. A three-pointer by Brittany Hedderson at the 11:10 mark of the first half gave the Bulls their only lead of the game at 13-12. From there the Rockets went on a 16-4 run to take an 11-point lead with 4:33 left in the half. A Toledo layup with four seconds left in the half gave the Rockets a 37-21 lead at the half.

Jamie Schiebner

The second half began with neither team really taking control as UB finally got the Toledo lead into single digits on a free throw by Kourtney Brown. Toledo got its lead back up to 14 with 7:16 left, but the Bulls went on a 10-0 run to cut the Toledo lead to 57-53 with 3:51 left. The final six points of the run came on back-to-back three pointers from redshirt junior Rachelle Matthys. Toledo kept hitting its free throws, but the Bulls had one last push as they cut the deficit to four again on a long three-pointer from Jessica Fortman with 32 seconds left. The Rockets hit four more free throws for the final margin.

Rachelle Matthys

The Bulls were led by 20 points from Brown, her eighth 20-point game of the season. She added eight rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Senior Jamie Schiebner finished with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. Freshman Beth Christensen recorded a career-high three blocks, while adding two rebounds. Senior Dortae Freeman added a team-high four assists, while turning the ball over just once.

As a team the Bulls registered seven blocked shots, the fourth time UB has recorded at least seven blocks in a game. All four of those have been conference games.

Toledo was led by 20 points and 10 rebounds from Allie Clifton and 10 points, nine assists and five rebounds from Naama Shafir. Tanika Mays added 13 points.

The Bulls will be back in action on Sunday as they begin a busy week with a home game against Ball State. Tip off with the Cardinals is set for 2:00 pm.