UB Women down South Dakota State 61-55

The UB women used a quick start in each half and a gritty final three minutes to down South Dakota State in a 61-55 game which concluded the South Point Shootout.

The Bulls racked up 20 points in the first quarter while holding the Jackrabbits to 13. But in the second quarter South Dakota State came roaring back, quickly closing to a 22-21 score. After surviving the run, UB collected themselves and went punch for punch the SDSU for the rest of the half, closing the first two frams with a 32-29.

In the third quarter it once again looked like UB was poised to put the game away. Buffalo opened the second half by going on a 10-0. But once again South Dakota clawd back in with their own run, bringing the score to a 46-45 UB lead through three quarters.

The Jacks took the lead quickly in the fourth as UB’s offense went several minutes with no rythm. With Dillard out of the game to get a rest the Bulls were being overwealmed at both ends of the court.

Sophomore Hanna Hall hit the shot of the game, with UB down two she drained a three point shot to give UB the lead and put a stop to the Jacks run. The teams traded punches for most of the fourth but SDSU held a 55-54 advantage with 2:12 left in the contest.

UB finally took the lead for good when Cierra Dillard hit a layup with just under a minute left and then stole be ball away on the next possession.

Dillard led the Bulls with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six steals in the contest. Onwuka added 13 points and seven rebounds on 5-of-9 shooting. Senior Brittany Morrison also scored in double figures as she had 10 points and four boards.

UB is now 4-1 on the season, with their sole loss coming to #3 Oregon. UB returns to action next Saturday when they travel to Central Connecticut State for a 1pm tipoff.