Editor's note: This article was updated to correct the spelling of Chellia Watson's name from Chella to Chellia. The Spectrum apologizes for this error.
Following their win against the Bowling Green Falcons (18-13, 11-7 MAC) on Wednesday, the Bulls (25-7, 13-5 MAC) faced the Toledo Rockets (24-7, 13-5 MAC) in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Tournament semifinals on Friday afternoon. While the Bulls held Toledo to a low-scoring game of 56-48, they were unable to take home the win.
The game opened with a strong defensive edge, which was kept up throughout the entire match. The Bulls put their first point up with a free throw from sophomore forward and guard Alexis Davis at 7:20. The first quarter saw low scoring with the lead constantly changing before the Rockets closed out with an 11-10 lead.
Ready to take over, the Bulls came out with tough defense, ensuring the Rockets were missing as many shots as possible and forcing turnovers, leaving them to score only two points in the second quarter. The Bulls were able to put up an unanswered seven points courtesy of fifth year guard Neolani Cornfield and fifth year guard Chellia Watson, who scored 10 and 12 points throughout the game, respectively. The half closed out with Buffalo leading 20-13.
The third quarter opened with the Bulls continuing their lead, locking in at 26-23 at the first media timeout. Senior forward Jordyn Beaty was on a hot streak, scoring on three possessions in a row. The Rockets were able to make a comeback, tying the score at 34 and immediately taking the lead back with an and-one for a short period of time before sophomore guard Kirsten Lewis-Williams was able to put up a layup to close out the quarter leading 36-35.
Toledo quickly took the lead back at the start of the fourth quarter, going on a 6-0 run soon after. The Bulls continued to push through, doing their best to cut the lead. After an and-one from Lewis-Williams, the Bulls were only down by one possession. Unfortunately, the Bulls were unable to pull through and secure the win.
The result of this game concludes Buffalo’s play at the MAC Tournament.
Izabella Ducato is the assistant sports editor and can be reached at izabella.ducato@ubspectrum.com
