The women's basketball team fought hard against one of the toughest teams the Mid-American Conference has to offer, but Buffalo's efforts ultimately fell short.
The Bulls (5-13, 3-1 MAC) gave up a 15-5 run to Toledo (15-2, 3-1 MAC) to close the game after keeping it close throughout most of the contest. They were outscored 31-18 in the second half and fell 59-44, which marks their first conference loss of the season.
"I thought we played extremely hard today and I am proud of effort, but offensively, we struggled," said head coach Felisha Legette-Jack in a press release via UB Athletics. "We faced a very good team today and we are going to learn from this experience and continue to grow."
The Bulls' 44 points scored were their third fewest this season. They shot 32.1 percent (17 for 53) from the field and 19 percent (4 for 21) from 3-point range, and only one player managed to score in double-digits.
Sophomore forward Kristen Sharkey scored 12 points and 10 rebounds, her second double-double on the season.
"She did a tremendous job of altering shots and rebounding the ball," Legette-Jack said.
Despite the Bulls' offensive struggles, they had the game tied at 28 early in the second half. But the Rockets went on a quick 7-0 run and the Bulls never came back within five points.
Defensively, the Bulls gave up 23 offensive rebounds to the Rockets, who turned those opportunities into a backbreaking 22 second-chance points.
"It's hard to get those loose rebounds all the time," Legette-Jack said. "They definitely had a size advantage over us, but we competed and sometimes the ball just doesn't fall your way."
Toledo's Andola Dortch torched the Bulls for 20 points, including six rebounds and three 3-pointers.
The Bulls have now won three of their four conference games after starting the season 2-11. Ball State (7-11, 3-1 MAC) comes to Alumni Arena on Wednesday night; tip is set for 7 p.m.
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Photo: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
