The University at Buffalo won its ninth straight game and claimed
Florida Atlantic's tournament, defeating the host school 81-53
Wednesday. The Bulls (9-1) were led by Sonia Ortega's 18 points and 12
rebounds, while Tiffany Bell added 14 points. Nisha Wilson and Tara
Perrier each chipped in 10 points, while Kim Kilpela came off the bench
and pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds. UB goes for its 10th straight
win on Sunday, Jan. 2 when the Bulls travel to face crosstown rival
Canisius.
In other MAC women's action on Wednesday, Marshall claimed third place
in Louisville's tournament after the Thundering Herd defeated Western
Illinois 67-57 in the consolation game. Yashico Stevens and Marisa
Williams each scored a game-high 20 points while Stevens grabbed a
game-high 12 rebounds. Toni Patillo and Brandy Robertson chipped in 14
and 13 points, respectively for Marshall, which improved its record to
5-5. Marshall hosts Eastern Michigan on Sunday in the league opener for
both schools.
Third-ranked Louisiana Tech forced 30 Akron turnovers and jumped out to
a 40-18 lead over the Zips en route to a 88-61 win in the championship
game of the State Farm Holiday Classic in Ruston, La. Abby Hoy led the
Zips with 16 points, while Cheryl Bowles and Erica Glover combined to
score 25 points. Akron hosts Niagara in a non-conference game on
Sunday.
Also, Bowling Green fell to UNC Charlotte 72-62 in the opening game of
the Hokie Hardwood Classic in Blacksburg, Va., while Georgia Tech
defeated Western Michigan 95-89 in overtime in Atlanta, Ga. Bowling
Green (2-7) faces Hampton and Western Michigan (2-7) battles Campbell in
the consolation games of its respective tournaments. In addition,
Ferris State won on the road at Central Michigan (2-8), 67-60.
The league portion of the MAC schedule officially opens on Sunday with
four conference games -- Ball State at Miami; Central Michigan at Ohio,
Eastern Michigan at Marshall and Kent at Bowling Green.