The majority of UB students spent their winter vacations at home relaxing and enjoying their time off. The women's basketball team, however, spent their time working on jump shots, setting screens and most importantly, looking for a way to snap their losing streak, which spanned the whole break.
The team finally got back on track last night, edging out Cornell for their first victory since December 3. Buffalo, whose last win came against the Youngstown State Penguins, had lost seven straight games. The Bulls (2-9, 0-2 MAC) took an early 20-5 lead over the hometown Big Red (5-7) and never trailed in the game, as they pulled out a 64-60 win.
The Bulls were able to dominate down low, as forwards Jessica Kochendorfer and Kim Kilpela each had excellent games for the Bulls. Kochendorfer set the UB record for blocks in a game and was one block shy of a triple-double, finishing the game with 11 points, 10 rebounds and nine blocks.
Kilpela had a strong performance as well, leading Buffalo with 17 points. She also pulled down nine rebounds, helping UB out-rebound Cornell 36-31.
After jumping out to a 15-point lead, the Bulls let the Big Red creep back into the game. Cornell was within three a number of times and weren't out of contention until Kochendorfer stepped up and single-handedly shut them down.
With :24 seconds to go Kochendorfer sank two free throws. She then followed the clutch shooting with a block of a three-point attempt with :13 seconds left that would have moved Cornell to within two.
"Obviously we're excited about the win, our first road victory of the year," said Bulls' head coach Cheryl Dozier. "I'm very pleased with the way we played at the end of the game. Cornell made a run, but we were able to hang on and maintain our lead and come out of there with a much-needed victory."
Buffalo took an 11-point lead into halftime, but they were outscored 18-7 through the first nine minutes of the second half. The Bulls were able to stall the CU comeback and go on a run of their own, stretching their lead to 13-points with 6:51 left.
Tanya Karcic led Cornell with 23 points and added five rebounds. Lauren Kilduff also starred for the Big Red. She scored 14 points and pulled down six rebounds.
The win was the Bulls' first road victory of the season. It was also Cornell's first home loss of the year. It couldn't come at a better time for Buffalo, as the Bulls have one final non-conference game before they start conference play.
The Bulls host Marshall Saturday, January 17 to kick off a three game homestand. Holy Cross visits Alumni Arena Monday at 7p.m. to close out the UB non-conference schedule.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
