The UB Bulls (2-0, 0-0 MAC) defeated the Buffalo State Bengals (0-0, 0-0 SUNYAC) 123-44 in the first game of Friday night’s basketball doubleheader in Alumni Arena.
The game broke five single-game records, including most points scored (123), largest margin of victory (79), most field goals made (48), highest field goal percentage (70.6%), and most assists (29). All 12 Bulls who saw playing time in the matchup scored, including two players, sophomore guard Mackenna Shaffer and sophomore forward Jaylin Hartman, who put up their first points in their UB careers. Fifth year guard Neolani Cornfield also broke a personal record by recording 10 assists.
The game opened with sophomore guard Kirsten Lewis-Williams putting the first points on the board with a layup. The Bengals were able to tie up 6-6 before the Bulls went on a five-point run, and were able to bring the score to 17-8 at the first media timeout. The rest of the quarter was strong for the Bulls, as senior guard Terah Harness dropped her second three of the game. Cornfield then got a steal to Lewis-Williams who brought the score to 31-12 with a fastbreak layup.
The second quarter showcased the Bulls' strong defense skills – where they only allowed the Bengals three points. Freshman guard Mallory Daly forced the Bengals into a timeout after scoring for three with less than three minutes into the quarter. Later on, Harness dropped three more from the arc before sophomore guard Paula Lopez came up with a steal into a layup. Lopez immediately followed that play up with another steal but this time hit Harness who made a layup. The half closed with the Bulls leading 61-15.
In the third quarter, the Bulls dominated in offensive rebounds and steals. Watson then went on an 8-0 solo run, before Harness sunk yet another three. Cornfield earned her career-high tenth assist with a pass to senior forward Ariana Seawell with a layup, just before sophomore guard/forward Alexis Davis hit her first three-pointer to bring the score to 95-29. The Bulls continued to dominate the fourth quarter, with Seawell hitting a jumper to break into a three-digit score. The Bengals took advantage of a few fouls to help bring their score up, but could not catch up, resulting in a final score of 123-44.
The Bulls next take on the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (0-1, 0-0 MEC) in Princess Anne, Maryland, for their first away game of the season on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Aryan Sawant and Christo Abraham
