Bulls Roll In Exhibition Opener

Brittany Hedderson leads the way with 18 points

Brittany Hedderson

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team got off to a roaring start in their exhibition game on Thursday night as the Bulls defeated Mercyhurst, 76-35, at Alumni Arena. The Bulls had 12 different players score on the night.

Down 5-4 early in the contest, the Bulls staged a 14-0 run over a six and a half minute span to take a 13-point lead and never looked back on the night. Just 11 and a half minutes into the game, the Bulls already had their lead up to 20 on a three from freshman Nicki Hopkins. A jumper from junior Bridgette Kendricks with 54 seconds left gave UB a 40-11 lead, which they took into the half.

Kourtney Brown

The Bulls controlled play throughout the second half, staying ahead by at least 30 for the majority of the half. A good free throw by Kendricks put the Bulls up by 40 and after two Mercyhurst free throws, a three by freshman Amy Gardner with 32 seconds left gave the Bulls their final margin of victory at 76-35.

“It was great to get out there and work on those things that we have been practicing for the last month,” said head coach Linda Hill-MacDonald. “I thought we did a lot of good things, but we also have some things to improve on as we get ready for Niagara next week.”

The Bulls were led by 18 points from sophomore Brittany Hedderson who also had six assists, three rebounds, a block and a steal. Hedderson went a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range. Junior Kourtney Brown added 16 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and three steals, while Hopkins had eight points, including two threes, in her first collegiate action. Freshman Nytor Longar added seven points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes while junior Jessica Fortman had eight rebounds and six assists on the night. UB’s other two newcomers also gave solid minutes as Chrissy Cooper picked up the start and recorded three points, two rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.

Nicki Hopkins

Abby Dowd had three points, six rebounds, an assist and a steal off the bench.

The Bulls shot 47 percent from the floor, including 50 percent in the second half, while defensively they kept Mercyhurst to just 25 percent from the floor and 16.7 percent from three-point range.

UB will begin its regular season next Friday, Nov. 13 when they head to Niagara. Tip off against the Purple Eagles is set for 7:00 pm.