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Bulls Fall In Overtime To UMass

Rachelle Matthys

Down by 10 with 9:28 remaining in the game, the Bulls began to chip away at the Minutewomen lead as Bennett hit two key three-point field goals, while sophomore Jamie Schiebner (Saginaw, MI/Heritage) converted on two shots, including the tying basket with 3:22 remaining in the game. UMass reclaimed a three-point advantage before Bennett drained another three ball with 2:16 to go in the contest. The Bulls then took their first lead since the 18:47 mark in the first half, with a Heather Turner (West Seneca, NY/Mount Mercy Academy) layup with just 40 seconds remaining. Kate Mills regained the lead for UMass, giving it a one-point advantage as Bennett went to the line with just over one second remaining in regulation. Bennett missed the first shot and after a time out by UMass drained the second to force overtime.

The Minutewomen controlled the overtime period early, scoring the first eight points before Rachelle Matthys (St. Clair, MI/St. Clair) hit back-to-back threes and knock the lead to two with 45 seconds to go in the extra period. UMass would tack on three points in the final 16 seconds to leave with the win.

Stephanie Bennett

“We gave up some open shots in the overtime period,” said head coach Linda Hill MacDonald. “Stephanie and Rachelle did a great job today, but we need to get some more production out of more players.”

As a team, the Bulls shot 12-of-28 from the perimeter, including a career-high six from Matthys and five from Bennett. Bennett tied a career-high with her 18 points, while Matthys set a new career best with 20 points. Turner joined them in double figures with 10 points. Just missing her first double-double of the season with Schiebner, who recorded nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds.

UMass was able to convert on all five of its shots in the overtime period and shot 52.7 percent for the game, opposed to just 35.9 percent from the field for UB. The Bulls were able to stay in the contest with their three-point shooting.

The Minutewomen were led by four players in double figures, led by 18 points from Mills. Tamara Tatham recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Kim Benton and Alisha Tatham recorded 15 and 11 points, respectively.

The Bulls will not have another game for 12 days as the players will concentrate on final exams this upcoming week. UB will wrap up its four-game homestand on Dec. 22 against Southeast Missouri State. Tip off is set for 7:00 pm.