Incomplete Comeback

Having all the momentum in the world generally spells victory for the team in possession of it come the end of a basketball game.

Saturday afternoon in Bowling Green, the UB women's basketball had that impetus as they were able to overcome a 15-point deficit and take a four-point lead in the waning stages of the game with the Falcons going 0-12 from the field in the final 10 minutes of play.

But once again, UB's inability to keep their opponents off of the offensive glass hindered them and cost them what would have been a hard-fought victory.

Bowling Green's Ali Mann hit two free throws to lift the Falcons (12-6, 5-2 Mid-American Conference) over the Bulls (4-13, 2-5 MAC) with only 23 seconds remaining giving the Falcons the 64-63 victory.

"I thought it was a well-fought game by both teams," said Buffalo head coach Cheryl Dozier. "Rebounding has really hurt us this season, though, and I'm disappointed that we gave up 19 offensive rebounds."

The 19 second chances given up by UB allowed Bowling Green to shoot just 31 percent from the floor, but still come away with the lead.

The first lead change of the game came with 3:12 remaining in the second half, when senior Jessica Kochendorfer nailed a three. UB was able to get the ball back and Kim Kilpela hit a short jumper to extend that lead to 63-59.

Much to the dismay of Buffalo, the only other lead change in the game came when Mann nailed the free throws with just seconds remaining on the clock, icing the game for the Falcons.

"Bowling Green just outworked us at times," said Dozier.

UB had two chances at the win in the final seconds, but were able to get off only one shot, a 3-point attempt by Allison Bennett, in the remaining 23 seconds.

The Bulls trailed by 12 at the close of the first half, with the score 37-25, but the second half was a completely different story.

"We did a better job defensively in the second half when we got out of our zone," said Dozier. "And we were more patient offensively in the second half too."

Jessica Kochendorfer led the Bulls' charge with 13 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Buffalo faces the Toledo Rockets next, who will be tough to defeat if the Bulls give up another 19 offensive boards.

Tip off is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in Alumni Arena.