UB women’s basketball (16-11) defeated the Ohio Bobcats (17-10) 63-62 at the Convocation Center Saturday afternoon.
The Bulls have now won three-straight games for the first time in 2020. Saturday’s win also marks the 300th career victory for head coach Felisha Legette-Jack.
Buffalo had four players finish in double figures. Sophomore forward Adebola Adeyeye led UB with 16 points and 9 rebounds, with freshman guard Dyaisha Fair adding 14 points. Senior guard Theresa Onwuka and sophomore forward Keowa Walters both finished with 10 points.
The Bulls answered Ohio’s opening 6 points with a 9-2 run of their own, putting them up 9-8. The momentum surges continued throughout the first as the Bobcats went on a 7-0 run, putting them back on top 15-9. The Bulls reduced the deficit to three before the end of the first.
The Bulls’ defense was strong to start the second as they held Ohio scoreless for over two minutes. The Bulls’ 22-21 lead didn’t last long as they turned the ball over five times, which led to a 7-0 Ohio run. Onwuka scored four points as the half closed with the Bulls trailing the Bobcats 32-28.
The Bulls cut the deficit to one to begin the second half on an Adeyeye layup. UB shot 1 for their next 7 while Ohio’s offense heated up quickly, increasing their lead to 42-34.
Coming out of the media break, the Bulls’ defense once again stood tall, holding Ohio scoreless for over four minutes while causing five turnovers. UB completely erased the deficit during a 10-0 run which put them ahead 49-47. Ohio made a jumper to close out the third tied at 49.
The game remained close entering the fourth quarter. Junior guard Hanna Hall drained two three-pointers to give UB a 57-56 lead. Walters extended the Bulls’ lead as she put home a layup to give UB a 59-56 advantage. Ohio came back to tie the game at 61, but with 1:02 remaining Walters would make an essential layup to put her team back ahead 63-61.
A UB inbound with 6.6 seconds remaining lead to Ohio stealing the ball and missing a layup. With only .7 seconds remaining UB fouled Ohio’s Peyton Guice and sent her to the line. She connected on the first of her free throws but missed the second. UB hung on to secure the victory.
The Bulls look to continue their winning streak as they head to Akron, OH to take on the Akron Zips (14-13) on Wednesday evening.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
