Buffalo Bulls Women’s Basketball Game Preview: Akron Zips

The Buffalo Bulls are in Akron tonight as the women look to improve upon their strong start to the year. The Bulls come in to this game at 9-2 with multiple wins over P5 schools! Their lone mistake in the OOC part of their schedule was a loss to Niagara, but that could quickly be forgotten with a strong opening in MAC play.

The Bulls are very senior heavy, and that is something that should carry them far. Similarly to the men, the big challenger in the MAC this year is Ball State. I will admit I’m not too familiar with specific players in the MAC outside of the Bulls, but from what I know about UB, they are a very tough team to beat.

Led by UMass transfer Cierra Dillard and Steph Reid, the Bulls are an athletic team that proves they can beat you from anywhere on the court. Cassie Oursler is having another strong season inside, and is complimented well by Summer Hemphill. If the women continue to play hard, it’s tough to see them losing more than one or two games in the MAC this year. Let’s take a look at what to watch for in the game with the Zips.

What to Watch For

Fast Start

The women have been very good at coming out with energy and getting off to a fast start this season. In the two games against the Zips last season, Buffalo controlled the game and blew Akron out early, never letting them feel in the game. If they can do that again this season, the Zips should be no contest.

Steph Reid

Reid was hurt for a stretch of the OOC schedule. Since coming back she did have a buzzer beater to beat St. Johns on an and one lay up. It will be interesting to see how her leg holds up with a lot of games in a short amount of time. She is the heart of the offense with the way she passes the ball and it will be crucial for her to stay healthy.

Defense

The Bulls allow just 67 PPG and the Zips score just 65 PPG. If the Bulls stay active upfront with quick hands, they should give Akron heaps of trouble and will hopefully limit their scoring. If they can keep them under 60, they should win any game, and that should be the goal for every game in the MAC this season.

Final Thoughts

I wish I knew more specifics and there was more data on WBB, but from what I’ve seen of the Bulls this year, they are very talented. With a senior heavy team, this is the year for them to dominate and prove that they’re the best in the MAC. It all starts with today. Start 1-0 in the MAC and build one game at a time. Plus, my bias against Akron wants this win so bad. We hope you tune in to watch the women tonight and as always, go Bulls!