Akron Zips at Buffalo Bulls Women's Basketball recap: Bulls fall 69-61 despite Oursler double double

Like Ball State before them, Akron has some top-end names that can give anyone trouble. That combined with their quick pace put forward reasons for concern heading into this afternoon's matchup in Alumni Arena, ultimately won by the Zips 69-61.

Joanna Smith, who has cemented herself as UB's go-to option, led the Bulls with 16 points, but Akron's duo of Anita Brown and Hannah Plybon combined for 49.

Neither team shot well from three, as each hit only five times from distance. UB in particular struggled as Smith attempted a whopping 13 shots. It seems more and more that UB simply doesn't feel comfortable working with secondary options to the junior scorer, even though Stephanie Reid hit double digits and Cassie Oursler notched a double double. Smith took 23 of Buffalo's 65 shots.

UB did work inside more than in the last few games, earning 29 free throws, but couldn't overcome a lopsided third quarter.

The Bulls will remain at home for yet another West Division opponent in the Western Michigan Broncos on Wednesday.