Huge Second Half Lifts Bulls Past Ohio, 61-47

Heather Turner and Jamie Schiebner each recorded double-doubles for UB

Belinda Gibb

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team ended its home schedule on a high note Wednesday night as UB defeated Ohio, 61-47, at Alumni Arena. The game was the final home contest for senior Belinda Gibb (Denmark, Western Australia/Willetton) who shared game-high honors with 15 points in the contest. The victory improves UB’s record to 9-17 on the season and 4-10 in conference play, while Ohio drops to 15-11 and 8-6 in the MAC.

The two teams embarked in a first half that ended 16-16 as both teams struggled to hit shots. The Bulls hit just 28.6 percent from the floor in the first half, while Ohio hit only 20.8 percent. Gibb was one of the few bright spots in the opening half as she had eight of her points during the first 20 minutes of action.

The Bulls then found their shooting touch in the second as UB went on a 16-4 run, breaking a 27-27 tie. Junior Stephanie Bennett (Springfield, OH/Kenton Ridge) broke the tie with a three pointer at the 8:46 mark of the second half. Jamie Schiebner (Saginaw, MI/Heritage) provided the next four points for Buffalo, while junior Heather Turner (West Seneca, NY/Mount Mercy Academy) also dropped in four during the run. The last Buffalo field goal would be off the hands of Gibb at the 3:45 mark as UB would shoot from the foul line the rest of the way. The Bulls went 16-of-23 from the charity stripe in the final 3:17 of play.

“I think tonight we did a great job of being aware of where the shooters were and we rotated very well,” said head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. “I think our players really studied their scouts for tonight and it also helped that we played this team already and we knew who could hurt us when they were on the floor.”

Gibb led UB with 15 points, while pulling down four rebounds and dishing out four assists in what served as her final game at Alumni Arena.

“I think it is wonderful for Belinda,” said Hill-MacDonald. “It is always a thrill to finish your last game on your home court in fine fashion and Belinda did that tonight. I am really pleased for her.”

Heather Turner

Both Turner and Schiebner recorded double-doubles as Schiebner had 15 points and 11 rebounds, including a 7-of-9 performance from the foul line. Schiebner also tied her career high with six steals. Turner had 14 points on the evening and 10 rebounds. Turner also had a thunderous block in the final 1:30 of play to help the Bulls seal the victory. It was one of five blocks for UB as freshman Kourtney Brown (Solon, OH/Solon) had three swats of her own. Bennett finished the evening with a game-high seven assists, while chipping in seven points.

The UB defense did a great job all evening, holding Ohio to just 16 field goals. Also impressive was that the Buffalo defense forced 22 Bobcat turnovers on the evening.

Ohio was led by two players in double figures as Lauren Kohn had 14 points and Rachel Frederick finished with 10 points and seven rebounds. Ohio did convert on all 12 of its free throw opportunities on the evening.

The Bulls will finish out the regular season with two games on the road, beginning this Saturday afternoon at Akron. The Bulls and Zips will tip off at 2:00 pm.

02/21/2007