Buffalo Bulls Women's Basketball at Sacred Heart Pioneers recap: Cassie Oursler's strong debut, Joanna Smith's 24 carry UB in 66-53 win

Cassie Oursler tallied a double double in her UB debut and the Bulls closed their nonconference schedule at 8-3 with a 66-53 road win tonight over the Sacred Heart Pioneers.

In 20 minutes, Oursler totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, at times taking over down low. The 6-3 junior who averaged 7.5 points and 5 rebounds when she last played exceeded expectations and looks like an instant boost to UB's low post.

Buffalo's other star of the game was Joanna Smith, who scored 24 points on 8-14 shooting on the heels of 26 the last time out, but eight more Bulls also found the hoop.

After a strong showing against Niagara that required UB to come from behind against a shorthanded opponent, UB had no trouble whatsoever other than an early 6-2 deficit. Sacred Heart came into tonight especially weak on the offensive glass, but the Bulls won without outrebounding the Pioneers, instead locking down leading scorer Hannah Kimmel, who scored only 9 points on 17 shots.

The Bulls now hit the road to start MAC play, traveling to Ypsilanti Saturday to face Eastern Michigan and their dynamic point guard Cha Sweeney.