Hot-Shooting Bulls Coast Past Niagara, 87-62

Four UB players score in double figures in the contest

Kourtney Brown

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team won its third straight game, all by at least 18 points, as the Bulls defeated Big Four rival Niagara, 87-62, on Wednesday night at Alumni Arena. The 87 points by the Bulls were the most since scoring 90 points during the 2006-07 season.

The Bulls never trailed in the contest as both teams came out firing early on. The score was tied at eight with 17:33 left when the Bulls went on an 8-0 run, including four points from Kourtney Brown. The Bulls continued that run as it became a 25-5 UB run, putting the Bulls up by 20 with 9:37 left in the half on a three from Rachelle Matthys. UB would lead by as many as 23 points in the half and take a 22-point lead in to the break.

Bridgette Kendricks

UB didn’t let up in the second half as the Bulls continued to drive towards the basket, getting layup opportunities and also getting to line. UB took its largest lead of the game at 32 on a free throw from Beth Christensen with 8:44 left to make it 75-43. The Bulls were then able to get in some of their young players who continued to be solid on defense, finishing out the half.

“I was very pleased with the way we played tonight,” said Linda Hill-MacDonald. “What I liked was that we played for 40 minutes and we never worried about the score, we just kept on playing. When you play with that intensity for 40 minutes, you are going to win a lot of games.”

The Bulls had four players in double figures led by 16 points from Brown, who went 8-of-13 from the floor. Brown also added six rebounds, two assists, four blocks and four steals. Sophomore Jessica Fortman added 11 points and eight rebounds, with a career-high five assists. Off the bench, sophomore Bridgette Kendricks had a season-high 13 points with six rebounds, including four on the offensive end. Senior Jamie Schiebner had a season-high 10 points and four assists.

Teresa Semalulu

UB had all 12 players who dressed see at least 10 minutes of action. Freshmen Ephesia Holmes and Teresa Semalulu had their best games so far as they each had career highs with nine points. Semalulu added five rebounds on the night.

The Bulls shot 49.3% for the night, including a red-hot 62.5% in the first half. The Bulls also scored 49 points in that opening half, the most they have scored in any half this season and the most since scoring 50 points against Bucknell in the opening half on Jan. 2, 2008.

Ephesia Holmes

Niagara was led by 21 points from Jennifer McNamee and 12 points from Liz Flooks. Erika Harris finished with a double-double for the Purple Eagles with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

The Bulls will now hit the road for the East Carolina Lady Pirate Invitational, which begins this Friday against North Carolina A&T. The tournament will conclude on Saturday where the Bulls will either play North Carolina Central or the host Pirates.