WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

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BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo women's basketball team improved to 7-0 on the season and tied the UB record for the best undefeated start in school history with a 72-51 win over visiting St. Bonaventure at Alumni Arena. Senior Tiffany Bell (Alexandria, VA/Hayfield) led all scorers with 24 points on a perfect 11-of-11 shooting performance from the field, and senior Sonia Ortega (Chihuahua, Mexico/Cobach) finished with 10 assists and six steals to pave the way for Buffalo's 21-point victory. With her six steals, Ortega moved into the top 10 all-time in career steals at UB. She now stands in ninth place with 194 career steals.

The Bulls never trailed in the game and they led the Bonnies by as many as 34 points in the second half, 61-27, following a jumper and a free throw by sophomore Rachel Martin (Kenmore, NY/Kenmore West). Martin finished the game with a career-high 13 points and a season-high seven rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench. Senior Mari McClure (Rochester Hills, MI/Rochester Adams) added 18 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Bulls. She and Bell both scored 11 points in the first 10 minutes of the game, and Ortega recorded nine of her 10 assists in the first half to get the Bulls out to an early lead. Sophomore Colleen Tabor (Ballston Lake, NY/Shenendehowa) grabbed a team and career-high eight rebounds.

"We're playing very well defensively right now," said Bulls' head coach Cheryl Dozier. "Obviously Tiffany and Mari both had tremendous games, and Rachel Martin came in and played very well. She's worked hard in practice and it's nice to see that pay off for her. We're going to need her once we start conference play, so that's a bright spot."

Buffalo scored twice as many points as St. Bonaventure did in the first half, using a 13-1 run midway through to lead 46-23 at the half. The Bonnies were forced to play most of the game without leading-scorer Melissa Fazio who injured a knee two minutes into the contest. With the win, Buffalo tied the 1969-70 UB squad's perfect 7-0 start to the season.

The Bulls will take their undefeated record on the road for the next three games, facing three BIG EAST opponents. Buffalo plays at St. John's on December 17, at Seton Hall on December 22 and at Boston College on December 28.