After falling to the Toledo University Rockets (17-5,8-3 MAC) last Wednesday in front of a record-breaking crowd, women's basketball (19-4,8-3 MAC) were then defeated by the University of Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (17-6,7-5 SBC) in a hard-fought game, with a final score of 73-65.
Despite their loss in the second game of the Mid-American Conference - Sun Belt Conference Challenge against Coastal Carolina, two Bulls had exceptional performances. Playing all 40 minutes, fifth-year guard Chellia Watson led Buffalo with 21 points, eight rebounds, and 3 three-pointers.
Another standout player was sophomore guard Kirsten Lewis-Williams, who had a strong all-around performance, with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Lewis-Williams was aggressive in the paint, earning trips to the free-throw line while serving as a key playmaker for her teammates.
The Bulls started the game off with a defensively strong first quarter, holding Carolina to just 6 points. Buffalo struggled from beyond the arc in the first quarter but held their lead through aggressive drives and defense, ending the quarter up 12-6.
Coastal Carolina flipped the momentum in the second quarter while Buffalo's defense faltered, allowing Coastal to shoot 69.2% from the field and hit five three-pointers. Lewis-Williams persisted in contributing key assists and rebounds, but the Bulls' struggles beyond the three-point line continued, which ultimately contributed to the Bulls going into the second half down by four, with a score of 30-26.
The third quarter was decisive, resulting in the Bulls adding 11 points in comparison to the Chanticleers' 21. The Bulls early shooting struggles continued as they hit only 3 of 11 field goals and went 1-4 from the three. Buffalo’s defensive lapses resulted in Carolina dominating the glass and taking advantage of second-chance points.
Buffalo made a valiant effort and outscored Carolina in the fourth quarter, where Watson and senior guard Terah Harness found their rhythm from three, helping Buffalo score five shots from deep. Lewis-Williams helped close the gap to just four points late in the game, but turnovers and missed free throws hurt Buffalo’s chances in the final minute, allowing Coastal Carolina to seal the win with free throws.
Women’s basketball looks ahead to their next matchup on the road against the Ohio University Bobcats (4-18, 2-9 MAC) on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com
