Women’s Basketball MAC Championship Game Preview: Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Buffalo Bulls

It’s championship Saturday, and both Bulls teams are playing for a championship! The first game of the day is for the women, as the Buffalo Bulls and the Central Michigan Chippewas meet for the third time this season. This games have been battles each time, and today will be no different. These are the top two teams in the MAC by far, and both are likely NCAA tournament teams, regardless of the outcome in this championship game.

The Bulls are led by senior Steph Reid, who has proven that she belonged on the first team all MAC as she has been wowing people at the Q. Another two who have been putting on a show are Autumn Jones and Cierra Dillard, whose offense has been on point most of the tournament. The Bulls have won their games by 20 and 30 points this tournament, meaning that they have been able to rest their starters and keep fresh legs on them. The Chips have had two very close games, in which their starters have had to play a majority of minutes.

As for the Chippewas starters, two big names to watch are Presley Hudson, and MAC POTY Tinara Moore, who is a match up night mare inside. Hudson when she gets hot from deep, is as dangerous as any player in the nation. It will be on Reid and Jones to limit her on offense, and not let her find her rhythm. Cassie Oursler will have to step up to cover Moore as will Summer Hemphill. Let’s take a look at some things to watch for in tomorrow’s game.

What to Watch For

Cassie Ourslers Offense

Ourslers offense has not been great in this tournament, mainly because she has been dealing with foul issues in the games. If the Bulls want to win today, then she will need to be on point under the basket, and converting her shots

Second Half Adjustments

The best thing that Coach Jack has been doing this tournament, is changing the game plan at the half to disrupt the Bulls’ opponents. CMU has been getting off to fast starts and fading as the game goes on, so look for the Bulls to try and keep it close before making the changes necessary to win.

A tough showing

As many people know, this Bulls team should get an at-large bid if they lose tomorrow. However, I think that they need to play as well as possible tomorrow to make sure that the committee doesn’t overlook them. Best case scenario is the Bulls win and don’t have a question mark come Monday.

Final Thoughts

This is the game everyone has been waiting for this season. The two best teams squaring off for the MAC title. It is bound to be exciting, and the perfect way to kick off the second two championship day in the past 3 years. This team has worked so hard, and the Buffalo community is behind them. Make sure to cheer extra loud tomorrow, and let’s hope that the rematch from two years ago has as perfect an ending as last time. As always, make sure you’re at the Harry Buffalo early for breakfast, and buckle in, it’s gonna be a great day!