Buffalo (1-0, 0-0 MAC) defeated the Georgia State Panthers (0-1, 0-0 Sun Belt) in their first game of the season on Monday night with help from freshman guard Ava Lamonica’s record-setting 27-point debut.
“For us to gut a win out in a situation… like that, most young teams, they falter in that, but not our group,” said Buffalo’s head coach Kristen Sharkey.
The Bulls opened their season at home in a game that featured nine ties and seven lead changes, most of which occurred in the second half. Georgia State recorded nine steals, and forced 11 Buffalo turnovers in the first half alone, disrupting the Bull’s offensive rhythm. Buffalo also struggled from the perimeter in the first half, going 0-for-5 from three-point range.
Buffalo’s offense improved in the second half, led by a record-setting collegiate debut performance from freshman guard Ava Lamonica. Lamonica set the Bull’s program record for most points in a freshman debut with 27 points, shooting 9-for-14 from the field and hitting both of her three-point attempts. Junior guard Ella Corry contributed with 17 points, and sophomore guard Asia Wilson added 11 points and seven assists.
Buffalo trailed by five points going into the fourth quarter, but Lamonica scored 15 fourth quarter points, and converted crucial free throws, eventually making the go-ahead free throw with 48 seconds remaining.
“I knew she [Lamonica] could do it,” Sharkey said. “She’s tough as nails, she’s a winner.”
The Bulls head to Youngstown State on Saturday to take on the Penguins (1-0, 0-0 Horizon) at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 7. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
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