Swish Appeal: All Posts by Sara WelchBasketball is basketball.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49391/swish-fave.png2016-04-05T23:22:46-04:00https://www.swishappeal.com/authors/sara-welch/rss2016-04-05T23:22:46-04:002016-04-05T23:22:46-04:00Undefeated -- and national champions
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<p>The University of Connecticut topped Syracuse, 82-51, to claim the program's 11th championship.</p> <p><b>Indianapolis, IN --</b> It didn't matter, which team won, one of them was going to make history.</p>
<p>The bigger, stronger, faster and more fundamentally sound team got it done. The University of Connecticut extended its reign over NCAA women's basketball to a fourth consecutive season.</p>
<p>"It's unbelievable," Breanna Stewart said. "That was our goal coming in here when we were freshmen and to carry it out like this as senior is unbelievable."</p>
<p>In its 11th trip to the show, the Huskies bullied their way to an 82-51 championship victory over the Syracuse University Orange at Banker's Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.</p>
<p>The Huskies entered the contest on a mission, focused on narrating their own story and etching their spot in history.</p>
<p>"It's just so improbable what they did," said UConn coach Geno Auriemma. "Obviously, it's never been done before, and they're just unique individuals. They each have their own characteristics. They're individuals, but I've never met a group so willing to share - share the limelight, share the ball, share all the attention that comes their way - and all year long, they've been unbelievable.</p>
<p>"There has not been one day when I had any doubt, whatsoever, that they would be here at this moment doing what they did."</p>
<p>The first quarter unfolded in similar fashion to the rest of UConn's conquests this season. Jumping out on a 9-0 run, the Huskies made a quick statement.</p>
<p>The Orange struggled to fight back into the game, being held scoreless until halfway through the period when Brittany Sykes finally put them on the board. They came within seven points at 13-6; however, UConn posted a 10-0 run to stretch their lead to 23-6 and create a 17-point separation with 2:20 remaining in the first period.</p>
<p>Over the first 10 minutes, UConn outrebounded Syracuse 18-5 as the Orange shot 4-of-16 from the field.</p>
<p>The Orange cut their deficit to 15 before the second stanza, but endured an equally brutal second quarter before halftime. At the break, they went into the locker room 27 points under as the Huskies held a comfortable 50-23 edge.</p>
<p>Stewart (14 points), Morgan Tuck (13 points) and Moriah Jefferson (11 points) all entered the intermission in double figures; while Cornelia Fondren led Syracuse in scoring, coming off the bench for six points.</p>
<p>With a significant separation before the second half even started, the game began to feel out of reach for Syracuse. UConn had yet to be challenged offensively, knocking down 16-of-31 shot attempts in the first half.</p>
<p>However, the Orange implemented a full-court press in the third period that generated an eventual 16-0 run to put themselves within 17 points with 2:02 remaining.</p>
<p>"I always told my kids we're a great basketball team, and you're great players," Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman said. "I don't lie to them. They're a great basketball team and great players. I told them we're never going to be the victim. Don't ever be the victim. Because victims lay down."</p>
<p>UConn's advantage was daunting, but momentum shifted to Syracuse briefly. For just a moment, the Huskies lost some of their untouchable magic as the Orange fought.</p>
<p>Struggling to inbound the ball, Stewart called a timeout on UConn's behalf. Following the 30-second break, it was back to business for the Huskies. Napheesa Collier hit back-to-back shots to end their drought and stall the Orange.</p>
<p>From there, UConn cruised to its fourth consecutive championship without missing a beat. Its three seniors led the team in scoring as Stewart totaled 24 points, Tuck added 19 and Jefferson finished with 13. Its other starters Kia Nurse and Gabby Williams both finished with nine points apiece.</p>
<p>The Orange were led by Fondren with 16 points as she put together another solid performance, entering the game from the reserves. Sykes and Alexis Peterson also finished in double figures with 12 and 11 points, respectively.</p>
<p>"I think people see that we are a good team," Fondren said. "All year people didn't know if we were going to be a good team and now they have respect for us. When you come to a program, you want to change the program, and I think that is what our class has done and so has the junior class.</p>
<p>"These four years have been tough, but it was definitely worth it. I don't regret it, and I wouldn't change it."</p>
<p>While the Orange will be remembered as one of the best teams in school history in their first appearance in the NCAA National Championship game, the Huskies will go down as one of the greatest dynasties in college athletics history.</p>
<p>"That's very special," Tuck said. "Some of the best players to ever play the women's game came to UConn, and we have the best coach ever. The other players paved the way and do so much for us, and it's great that we can be part of a great legacy."</p>
<p>Stewart also made history on an individual level as the only four-time most outstanding player on the all-tournament team.</p>
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https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/4/5/11375688/uconn-captures-4th-straight-national-championshipSara Welch2016-04-03T23:22:47-04:002016-04-03T23:22:47-04:00Syracuse earns national championship berth
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<p>The first time the Syracuse Orange and the Washington Huskies played this year the game was decided by four point in favor of Syracuse. This time, the Orange blitzed the Huskies with in your face pressure defense and ran away with the game. Talea Walton had a game-high and team high of 29 points for Washington and Alexis Peterson had 18 to lead the Orange in scoring. </p> <p></p>
<p><b>Indianapolis, IN -- </b>The Syracuse Orange wore out the Washington Huskies, earning a spot in the NCAA National Championship game at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Banker's Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.</p>
<p>However, the Orange faced a double dose of puppy love as the University of Connecticut awaits the matchup to earn its fourth title in four years. But don't tell that to the Orange, as they are eager for the challenge that awaits them.</p>
<p>"It means everything," said Syracuse guard Brianna Butler on making it to the final game. "It is something you dream about when you are younger. It's an opportunity to play against a great team in UConn. It's just really exciting, and we are happy to be here."</p>
<p>The Orange's balanced effort and bench contributions proved to be more vital than the Huskies' two-man attack.</p>
<p>"Coach Q (Syracuse head coach Quentin Hillsman) talked about at the beginning of the season that you have to have seven starters and eight, nine and ten have to be important," Cornelia Fondren said. "All season we've had seven starters and people coming off the bench doing big things. It just says a lot about our bench, having others who can come in and make shots.</p>
<p>"We just play hard now as a team. It's win or go home now."</p>
<p>Syracuse (30-7) jumped out to an early lead, which it progressively built on to accomplish an eventual 80-59 victory over Washington (26-11).</p>
<p>The Orange opened the first period on a 5-0 run and eventually pushed their edge to 23-12 to close the first quarter.</p>
<p>Although Talia Walton managed nine points over the initial 10 minutes, the Huskies struggled to score and shot 28.6 percent from the field. Meanwhile, Syracuse had several role players step up and score as Fondren tallied six points off the bench and Brittney Sykes totaled seven. As a team, the Orange enjoyed 50 percent shooting efficiency.</p>
<p>Over the second period, Washington stuck with the Orange as Walton added 10 more points, but didn't make up any ground and went into the break trailing 43-31. Syracuse was led by an active bench that contributed 13 points, collectively.</p>
<p>The bench points proved to be crucial over the course of the game for the Orange as they outscored the Huskies 23-3 in that facet.</p>
<p>"They do a really good job of rotating in fresh legs, and everyone plays super hard on their team," Kelsey Plum said. "Credit their coaching staff for having a great plan. And they hit shots tonight, hit big shots. And then put a lot of pressure on us. So we were kind of --€” I struggled getting us into offense and gotta credit them.</p>
<p>"They had a great gameplan, and they executed it."</p>
<p>Additionally, they nearly doubled Washington's points in the paint with 26 to its 14 and managed more than twice as many points off turnovers, 20-9.</p>
<p>Fondren and Taylor Ford provided the biggest spark off the bench with 10 and eight points, respectively; while Alexis Peterson, Brianna Butler, and Sykes paced Syracuse offensively with 18, 12 and 17 points respectively.</p>
<p>"My teammates got me going," Fondren said. "My teammates have a lot of confidence in me, and I really appreciate them. I think as a team we take advantage of our mismatches and people coming in contributing -- me and Taylor and Maggie and Bria -- we just want to do what we have to do to win the game."</p>
<p>The Orange also ended the competition with an incredible rebounding advantage, besting the Huskies, 46-28, on the boards with 17-second chances and only four given up at the other end. Briana Day led the effort with 15 rebounds for Syracuse.</p>
<p>Washington was led on the glass by Chantel Osahor with 14 rebounds, while Walton finished as the high scorer of the game with 29 points. Plum also finished in double figures with 17 points. The pair accounted for all but 13 of the Huskies total.</p>
<p>"I just wanted to come out and play like it was my last game, obviously hoping that it wasn't," Walton said. "But just knowing that it could potentially be my last game, and I wanted to do what I could to give my team the best chance to win."</p>
<p>Up next, the Orange will have their hands full against UConn in the National Championship. They plan to approach the game with the same mentality they've been playing with for the last month and a half.</p>
<p>"I think we just have to play hard," Fondren said. "Regardless of the game or who you play, you can't take anyone for granted at this point. We don't take our opponents lightly. Washington had a good game today. We just want to go out there and compete."</p>
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https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/4/3/11355820/chaos-catapults-syracuse-national-championshipSara Welch2016-04-03T20:45:31-04:002016-04-03T20:45:31-04:00UConn returns to title game
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<p>The Huskies were led by Morgan Tuck who finished with a game-high, 21 points (13 in the first quarter). The Beavers had kept leading scorer Breanna Stewart quiet in the first two quarters and stacked fouls on her, however Tuck stepped up and knocked down shots that the defense gave her. </p> <p></p>
<p><b>Indianapolis, IN --</b> The University of Connecticut Huskies bared their teeth and mauled the Oregon State University Beavers in their first-ever Final Four appearance.</p>
<p>Sure, the Beavers put together a record season in terms of wins with 32 and made a good enough run in the NCAA tournament to earn the school's historic semifinal berth. However, even with the mounting accomplishments, the developing program couldn't hold off the UConn.</p>
<p>Experience can focus a team, and that was certainly the case for the Huskies as they completely overpowered the Beavers from the opening tip and rolled to an eventual 80-51 win at Banker's Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday night.</p>
<p>"Everything that's on the stat sheet," University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma said. "Everything that played out in the game is exactly what these players have been doing for the last five, six months."</p>
<p>Jumping out on a 5-0 run, UConn (37-0) took control early and paced a comfortable margin of victory. The Beavers (32-4) fought to get back in the game, cutting within three points, but the game spiraled out of reach over what remained in the first period.</p>
<p>The Huskies posted a 10-0 run over four minutes that created a 14-point cushion. Morgan Tuck hit two three's during the spurt and finished the period with 13 points to lead the advance.</p>
<p>" Well, I mean, it's hard to not be impressed by the things that Morgan Tuck did in that first-half run that we had," Auriemma said. "That's what stood out the most; it seemed like, you know? But in reality, we talked about it after the game, that was a team performance that first half. Usually if we run out to a 20-something-point lead, a big deal of that is because Stewy got a bunch. And that didn't happen in the first half."</p>
<p>Oregon State cut the score within double-digits for the last time as Sydney Wiese drew a foul at the buzzer and was sent to the charity stripe. Her perfect 3-for-3 effort cut the quarter score to 26-17; however, from there OSU's deficit only grew.</p>
<p>By halftime, UConn carried a 19-point advantage, leading 47-26, behind Tuck (16 points), Moriah Jefferson (eight points), Katie Lou Samuelson (seven points) and a smothering defensive attack.</p>
<p>Although it looked like the Huskies' aggression might hurt them as Breanna Stewart got called for her second foul with 7:55 remaining in the first period, it paid off in dividends. Stewart was left in the game, didn't commit another foul before halftime and UConn's defense dominated the Beavers.</p>
<p>"It was really tricky because you want to stay, and you want to be aggressive, but you have to be smart and still be aggressive," Stewart said. "It was tough, but I'm proud of myself."</p>
<p>Holding OSU to 9-of-25 over the first 20 minutes, the Huskies took nine more shots and made 20-of-34 attempts. With 71.4 percent efficiency in the first period and 50 percent in the second, they shot even better than their 52.8 season average with a 58.8 shooting percentage at halftime.</p>
<p>UConn's defensive presence also forced six turnovers in the first period for a nine-point gain and seven in the second period for six more. Meanwhile, it only committed four total before the intermission, which allowed OSU three points off of turnovers.</p>
<p>The last component of the Huskies' defense was locking down the paint. They gave up only 10 points inside, while scoring 22 at the other end.</p>
<p>The trends that began before halftime only became more pronounced as the UConn's lead became even more gaudy.</p>
<p>The Huskies pushed ahead by as many as 34 points. They outscored OSU 32-22 on points in the paint and 21-8 on points off turnovers. They also managed to maintain a 56.7 percent efficiency, making 34-of-60 attempts from the field; while the Beavers shot 33.3 percent on an 18-of-54 performance.</p>
<p>"Hats off to UConn," Oregon State coach Scott Rueck said. "They played a phenomenal game tonight. I thought they obviously shot the ball extremely well. With a team like that, you've got to kind of pick your poison. And that team made us pay, no matter what we did. And that's why they are who they are.</p>
<p>"You know, offensively they really made us work and kept us off balance. And credit them."</p>
<p>Tuck ended the contest as the high scorer with 21 points, while Stewart came alive in the second half to finish the game with 16 points. Jefferson also reached double figures with 10 points.</p>
<p>Overall, the Huskies put together a well-balanced effort.</p>
<p>"I think it shows how good our team is and that Stewy is the best player in the country, but she has a great supporting cast, and we're able to step up and make plays," Tuck said. "And even when our subs are coming off the bench, they're contributing right away."</p>
<p>The Beavers were led by Wiese with 13 points and Ruth Hamblin with a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double. Their dominant scorer, Jamie Weisner, was held to nine points.</p>
<p>"They can hit from everywhere," Weisner said. "People come in off the bench, and there's no lag. They expose every weakness and make you pay for it, force you into things you don't want to do. And then offensively, I mean, they have weapons everywhere, every position."</p>
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https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/4/3/11355814/uconn-thumps-oregon-state-title-gameSara Welch2016-03-12T16:03:42-05:002016-03-12T16:03:42-05:00Ticket punched: Buffalo completes mission
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<p>For the first time in school history, the University of Buffalo is going to the NCAA Tournament. In a fairy tale run during the MAC Tournament, the Bulls came in seeded in eighth place. The past week the ranking has been nothing as they upset every lower seed then them and now their story gets to continue on the big stage. </p> <p></p>
<p><b>Cleveland, OH --</b> The University of Buffalo completed its unforgettable run in championship fashion, making school history as the first to secure a Mid-American Conference tournament title.</p>
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<p>Blinded by determination, the No. 8 University of Buffalo (20-13, 11-10 MAC) wasn't swayed by No. 2 Central Michigan's 22-win campaign this season, it's better seeding in the Mid-American Conference tournament or the double-teams it showed throughout the finals. Defeating the Chippewas 67-61 on Jan. 6, the Bulls knew they could do it again.</p>
<p>"I feel good," Joanna Smith said. "Teams counted us out from the get‑go, which is fine. Like Coach Jack said, ‘no one knows our fight but us.' I think our team did a tremendous job of just putting our nose down and doing the work just to get a chance to play for a MAC Championship, and I think our team really stepped up, everybody, when their number was called."</p>
<p>Smith led Buffalo throughout the tournament and finished as the leading scorer in the title game with 23 points against Central Michigan.</p>
<p>There's no doubt the No. 8-seeded Bulls entered this tournament on a mission. They started by getting past No. 9 Bowling Green with a dominant 60-44 win in the opening round. Kept rolling after knocking off top-seeded Ohio University in the quarterfinals with a 72-60 victory.</p>
<p>Then made a statement and evened their conference record, sending the No. 5 University of Akron back down I-77 South after winning 88-87 in a semifinal bout.</p>
<p>Four wins and one championship later, the team that everyone seemed to overlook earned a spot in the NCAA tournament.</p>
<p>"I've been coaching for 27 years, and this is the first time I've ever as a coach have gone to the NCAA as an assistant coach or head coach," Buffalo coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. "I helped build Michigan State, and then I took the job at Hofstra, and that team went. I helped build Syracuse as an assistant coach. I left to go to Michigan State. That team went.</p>
<p>This is the first time that I've been a part of it where we actually are going together. And I just think that God brought this moment here for me because these are the special people that I'm supposed to be with. This is the time of my life it's supposed to be done. I'm just so humbled that this is the right time"</p>
<p>Legette-Jack continued, "I keep in my drawer, every day, I have why not us, why not now. And I was opening it up every single day, and then I just started closing my drawer faster when we're on a little slide. And then a couple of things happened in the last nine or 10 games; I started opening that drawer up and seeing those words again, and I started to regain stronger faith.</p>
<p>"I didn't lose all my faith but I certainly questioned it a little bit, and I just know that this is a time where I'm supposed to be, God is good, that's all I can tell."</p>
<p>Buffalo fired a 24-point first quarter to open the MAC Championship in its first-ever appearance in the Conference Finals to take a six-point lead at the end of 10 minutes.</p>
<p>The Chippewas (22-10, 16-5 MAC) answered with a 12-0 run three minutes into the second period to give themselves a 34-29 lead — their first advantage since they carried a 5-3 edge for 15 seconds in the first period. However, the substantial spurt didn't overshadow the fight left in the Bulls.</p>
<p>With 1:58 on the clock, Gabi Bade hit a huge 3-pointer to bring the score to 34-32, leaving the Chippewas a slight advantage in a one-possession game. The make marked Buffalo's first basket since Mariah Suchan sunk a jumper to set the score at 29-22 five minutes prior.</p>
<p>Loosening up a little bit, the Bulls refocused, and their offense started flowing. Mirte Scheper knotted the score on a perfect trip to the free throw line with 1:40 remaining.</p>
<p>Both teams tightened up on defense during the stalemate as the score remained stagnant until the clock read 8.2 seconds. This time, Central Michigan had an opportunity to knock down free throws. Reyna Frost put both attempts away, and the Chippewas grabbed a 36-34 lead.</p>
<p>With a narrow window to tie the score or claim an advantage, Buffalo set the contest in its favor as Courtney Wilkins hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to usher in halftime. Despite being outscored 18-13 in the second stanza, the Bulls went into the break with a slight 37-36 edge.</p>
<p>Following the intermission, the third period played out on even ground. The score was matched three times, and the lead changed three times. However, Central Michigan edged Buffalo out on a Cassie Breen 3-point basket to close scoring.</p>
<p>Just as the Bulls punched them in the mouth right before halftime, the Chippewas returned the favor to close the third quarter on a Breen 3-pointer. The final basket gave Central Michigan a 53-50 advantage, heading into the final 10 minutes.</p>
<p>Buffalo had enough time for one more possession, and Stephanie Reid tried to force a shot up inside the paint as time expired, but the last-second effort was denied by Frost.</p>
<p>Central Michigan pushed its lead out as far as five points to capitalize on its advantage. However, Smith ensured it didn't last. At the 6:40 mark, Smith hit a 3-point basket to cut Buffalo's deficit to 60-58.</p>
<p>She followed the basket with a layup less than a minute later, bringing her total to 21 points and knotting the score, 60-60. She carried on to give the Bulls their first lead in the period, hitting a jumper with 4:07 remaining.</p>
<p>Scheper extended Buffalo's lead to four points with 2:42 left on the clock and the Chippewas quickly called a timeout to regroup.</p>
<p>Jewel Cotton brought the contest back within reach for the Chippewas, making only her second basket of the game and cutting Buffalo's lead to 64-62 with 2:09 on the clock. As things wound down and under a minute remained, Cotton again came up big. Leaning into a blocked shot, Cotton drew a foul and earned a trip to the charity stripe. Her superb effort tied the score, 64-64, leaving 50 seconds in regulation.</p>
<p>Following an empty Buffalo possession, Central Michigan called a timeout to advance the ball past half court with 27 seconds on the clock. Da'Jourie Turner took the last shot as time expired, but came up short. The missed attempt sent the game into a five-minute overtime.</p>
<p>Central Michigan won the tip to open the extra period; however, came up empty at the offensive end. Buffalo followed with a turnover on its ensuing possession, but not before Moore received her fourth fouled and exited the game.</p>
<p>Cotton attempted to grab momentum for the Chippewas with two offensive rebounds and a 1-for-2 trip to the free throw line to give them a 65-64 lead, but Buffalo answered right away.</p>
<p>Katherine Ups nailed a 3-pointer, facilitated by Reid, to give the Bulls a 67-65 edge. Presley Hudson tied the game for Central Michigan, driving to the basket and finishing a layup, but once again the Ups gave a swift response.</p>
<p>"I think I step up when they need me," Ups said. "These two (Smith and Reid) take control, they score points every day, game in and game out. And when things aren't working, they come to me, and I find my shots. These two are more like decoys that allows anyone else to score in their offense."</p>
<p>Draining another 3-pointer with 2:44 remaining, Ups gave Buffalo a 70-67 lead that sustained as both teams struggled to score until the final 10 seconds played out.</p>
<p>With 10.4 seconds on the clock, Breen gave the Chippewas a chance. She sunk a jumper and brought the game within a point. Central Michigan then opted to foul Buffalo, sending Cassie Oursler to the line where she went 1-for-2.</p>
<p>Central Michigan got the ball back with 8.6 seconds remaining, allowing Hudson a second opportunity to tie the score at the line. Needing to be perfect, Hudson composed herself and went 2-for-2 with 3.4 seconds left in the game.</p>
<p>When it looked like the contest might be sent to a second overtime period, Buffalo finished the game at the buzzer as Reid tossed in one last jumper and led the Bulls to a 73-71 victory. The basket was Reid's first career buzzer beater.</p>
<p>"Coach Jack said to me three seconds is a long time, that's two dribbles and a shot," Reid said. "And I'm pretty sure I took exactly two dribbles and a shot. Just do what Coach says, you know. Got to stick to the game plan."</p>
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https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/12/11210646/buffalo-mac-history-1st-ncaa-tournamentSara Welch2016-03-11T18:56:54-05:002016-03-11T18:56:54-05:00CMU puts on a shooting clinic
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<p>Central Michigan advances to the Mid-American Conference championship tomorrow against Buffalo. Tinara Moore and Cassandra Breen dominated for the Chippewas. Joining Breen from beyond the arc, Presley Hudson hit her share of threes as well. </p> <p></p>
<p><b>Cleveland, OH -- </b>No. 2 Central Michigan buried No. 6 Eastern Michigan with a 32-point third quarter to put the game out of reach in a Mid-American Conference semifinal contest on Friday afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena. The Chippewas (22-9, 16-4 MAC) collected a dominant 86-71 win over the Eagles (21-11, 11-9 MAC) to advance to the MAC championship tomorrow.</p>
<p>"I think our athletic director, Dave Heeke just said it: Win and move on," Central Michigan coach Sue Guevara said. "I will tell you; I was very pleased with our team in the second half. Even in the first half, I thought, again, we withstood a good Eastern Michigan team. We had some challenges that were asked of our players, and they accepted those challenges.</p>
<p>"And again, I just thought composure down the stretch, even when we were behind, when we take the lead, I just couldn't be happier for this team. We're in the championship game."</p>
<p>Eastern Michigan entered the game firing on all cylinders, but fell flat following a dominant first quarter as Central Michigan picked up the pieces and took control.</p>
<p>Behind a 24-point effort in the first quarter, Eastern Michigan carried a 41-37 lead into halftime. At the intermission, the Eagles already had two in double figures — Phillis Webb led in scoring with 18 points and Janay Morton totaled 10 points. Central Michigan was led by Tinara Moore with 13 points.</p>
<p>The Eagles bested the Chippewas in the paint (10-8), on points off turnovers (7-6), on second-chance points (9-2) and in transition on fast break points (7-3). They also led by as many as 13 points in the first half and maintained the lead for 18 of the first 20 minutes.</p>
<p>Incidentally, Central Michigan got focused and turned the tables after the break.</p>
<p>The first minute of the third period was balanced; however, Central Michigan spurred a 12-0 run over two and a half minutes to push the score in their favor at 52-45. Eastern Michigan cut its deficit to four points, 54-50, but the Chippewas answered again on a Cassie Breen 3-pointer to maintain the seven-point edge with 4:21 left in the period.</p>
<p>The Eagles battled to make it a one-possession game again, cutting its deficit to 59-56, but the spurt fizzled out as the Chippewas pushed out on a 10-2 run to close the period with a 69-58 advantage.</p>
<p>From there, Central Michigan continued to dominate and put the game out of reach. Ball movement was key for Central Michigan in its most dominant quarter of the game.</p>
<p>"I think it was just the inside out that we've been having with our post players and with our guards," Breen said. "We really love to share the ball, if you couldn't tell. We really move it very well, and I think that helps, especially when you're playing a zone like Eastern played us."</p>
<p>Breen finished as the leading scorer with 24 points for Central Michigan on an 8-of-14 shooting performance from 3-point range, managing 50 percent accuracy overall.</p>
<p>While Breen generated the most offense, both Moore and Jewel Cotton finished the contest with double-doubles. Moore was second in scoring with 21 points and second in rebounding with 11 boards. Cotton led on the glass with a game-high 14 rebounds and added 12 points to complete her double-double.</p>
<p>"We know we need to win so we're going to do whatever we need to do to win and for Jewel and I, we need to get those rebounds to help our team out," Moore said.</p>
<p>The Chippewas will advance to play No. 8 University of Buffalo in a championship matchup at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
<p>Earlier this season, the Bulls downed the Chippewas, 67-61, in the teams' only regular-season bout. However, Central Michigan is confident in its growth, moving into the championship against the tournament's wild card to this point.</p>
<p>"I think overall we've found our identity as a team," Cotton said. "We're a new team and that's one thing that we didn't have was identity. We were trying to find our self through this path and through this season, so I think tomorrow is going to be the biggest game we play tomorrow, so we're going to work on our performance, what we can do and come up with a championship."</p>
<p>Guevara anticipates the stronger bench in tomorrow's championship showdown as being the biggest key to victory.</p>
<p>"As I said in the locker room today, Buffalo, they played quite a few of their starters a lot of minutes, we played quite a few of our starters a lot of minutes," Guevara said. "So guess what, this is how important the bench is. We've been saying it all year, Jasmine Harris came in, gave us a couple good months. I expect Amani Corley and Aleah Swary to come in and give us some minutes, and I expect Reyna Frost to play.</p>
<p>"But I will tell you this; no one's going to be tired. The adrenaline is going to go for 40 or 45 minutes because it's the championship game. There's no room for tired."</p>
<p></p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/11/11200564/cmu-advances-mac-championshipSara Welch2016-03-11T16:25:33-05:002016-03-11T16:25:33-05:00When there's a will, there's a way
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<figcaption>MAC</figcaption>
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<p>The Bulls evened their conference record and earned a Mid-American championship berth on a long-shot. March is a time to make noise and be a team every one talks about in a positive medium. For the University of Buffalo Bulls have done just that as not only are they headed to the conference championship, it is the school's first time going to the championship. Joanna Smith has been the lasting catalyst leading the Bulls in each game; today she did the same thing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cleveland, OH --</b> The University of Buffalo Bulls <span>don't</span> need to barter for magic beans because they bet on themselves.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Filling the role as the giant killer of the <span>Mid-American</span> Conference tournament, Buffalo extended its fairy tale run to the championship game for the first time in program history.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Entering the tournament, No. 8 Buffalo supported a sub .500 conference record (7-10 MAC). After closing out an 88-87 semifinal win over the No. 5 University of Akron and climbing one game closer to its golden goose, the Bulls finally reached an even 10-10 record <span>in</span> MAC competition.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Cinderella team also extended its win streak to four straight, giving itself a chance to end the season with a winning record in the MAC and a tournament title on a long-shot No. 8-seed bid.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bulls (19-13, 10-10 MAC) easily pushed past Bowling Green in the opening round of the tournament, winning 60-44. They then shook things up and downed the No. 1-seeded Ohio University, <span>who</span> they collected three wins over this season for a perfect 3-0 against the Bobcats. Moving on to the semifinals, Buffalo once again faced a challenge.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Zips (19-13, 12-8 MAC) defeated Buffalo, 62-49, just nine days before their semifinal matchup. They also managed to top the Bulls, 69-61, on <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Jan. 16</span></span>, staying undefeated against them through the regular season.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, <span>it's</span> March and regular season dominance will only take teams so far. The Bulls have decided to survive and <span>advance,</span> and <span>that's</span> <span>exactly</span> what they've done so far.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Playing with a five-point advantage into the fourth quarter, Buffalo shocked the top-seed, Ohio University (24-6, 16-3 MAC), <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">on Wednesday</span></span>. Trailing 62-59 against the Zips, the Bulls needed a little more magic to move onto the finals.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That <span>didn't</span> stop them from finding it and grinding it out again.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Bulls finally managed to tie the score at 67-67 with <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">6:26</span></span> left in the game as Mariah Suchan went 2-for-2 from the free throw line. DiAndra Gibson gave Akron one more lead on a quick layup, but Buffalo knotted the score for the last time at 69-69 and never looked back.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Scrambling ahead by their largest lead of the game eight, the Bulls carried an 80-72 advantage with <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">1:17</span></span> remaining. The Zips fought and cut their deficit to three points twice, two points once and one point as the clock expired on a 3-point basket by Hannah Plybon. However, Buffalo endured the late attack to hold on for the victory.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After controlling the game for more than half of regulation (24:46), the Zips were sent home, while the Bulls relished their victory. As it turns out, Akron's effort <span>simply</span> didn't sustain.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Buffalo came out firing with a 22-point first quarter to take a three-point advantage; however, Akron retaliated behind a 15-point second period from Lilli Piper to outscore the Bulls 27-19 before halftime and take a 46-41 lead.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Two days ago Akron's Anita Brown put together an unforgettable 37-point performance. <span>Obviously</span>, the Bulls made note of the senior's explosiveness and innate ability to generate quick offense. In the first quarter, Buffalo kept Brown silent as she shot 0-for-4 from the field.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Th Bulls managed to hold Brown to 22 points <span>on</span> the game after the <span>quiet</span> first <span>quarter</span>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Yeah, we held her to 22," Buffalo coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. "The young lady's special, the <span>young lady</span>'s going to play. <span>You're</span> going to find her in the WNBA eventually if not already. We went man-to-man, and Stephanie (Reid) had to guard her, and she wanted to block and post her up. We knew, the next step, although Ayoleka (Sodade) didn't play <span>a lot of</span> minutes, she was the best defender in a guard position on our team. <span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"<span>And we</span> had to release her and let her try. When she stopped, the first two possessions we <span>was</span> like <span>we're</span> going to stick with it until the wheels fall off. We <span>didn't</span> stop her. She still hit a three down the stretch, but we made it <span>very difficult,</span> so she got a little bit tired."</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fortunately, for the Zips Plybon stayed active, knocking down three 3-pointers and going 1-for-2 from the charity stripe for 10 points. Additionally, Piper and Gibson each hit a three to set the tone for Akron in the first period.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pacing Buffalo's offense early Joanna Smith contributed <span>eight; Brittany </span><span> </span>Morrison tacked on six and off the <span>bench,</span> Courtney Wilkins was good for five points in the first period. Through the second period, the Bulls were led by Stephanie Reid and Mariah Suchan. Reid added <span>six,</span> while Suchan came off the bench and tallied five points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the break, Buffalo showcased good bench production with 12 points that way, but couldn't keep pace with Piper. Finding her rhythm in the first period, Piper continued to net the ball and totaled 18 points at the intermission, going 7-of-8 from the field with 3-for-3 efficiency from behind the arc and a perfect 1-for-1 at the free throw line.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As Piper drew some of the defense away from her teammates with her hot hand, Brown and Gibson each managed six points in the second quarter.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Piper returned in the third period the add another three points and <span>pushed</span> her total to 21; however, the Bulls tightened up and disrupted her flow. Brown picked up the slack and pushed her total to 13 points, but collectively the Zips failed to generate enough offense to push out their lead.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Buffalo outscored Akron by two points in the third quarter, making it a one possession game and cutting Akron's edge to three points. Replacing Reid, who fouled out of the <span>game</span>, Gabi Bade came <span>off the bench</span> to make Buffalo's largest contribution <span>with</span> five points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"You know, like what Coach Jack said, you never know when your <span>number's</span> going to get called, so you've always got to stay ready," Bade said.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bringing the game within striking distance, the Bulls just had to keep momentum long enough to outlast the Zips in the final 10 minutes to capture the eventual 88-87 win.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Buffalo saw five reach double figures as Cassie Oursler scored 10, Reid finished with <span>13; Smith was</span> good for <span>18; Bade totaled</span> <span>13,</span> and Suchan added 11.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Highlighting Akron's effort three <span>totaled</span> more than 20 points, including Brown (22 points), Plybon (22 points) and Piper with a game-high 24 points. Gibson also finished in double figures with 13 points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Buffalo will advance to play either No. 6 Eastern Michigan or No. 2 Central Michigan in a championship matchup at <span>1</span> p.m. <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Probably wouldn't have thought it was possible, but you know, these people to my left and my right, they made it possible," Joanna Smith said. "I mean, we've challenged them all year to be the best they can be, especially Coach. <span>And I</span> think <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">tonight</span></span> it showed. They stepped up in <span>tremendous</span> <span>ways,</span> and I <span>couldn't</span> be <span>more proud</span> of them."</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/11/11200558/buffalo-1st-mac-championship-gameSara Welch2016-03-09T22:31:24-05:002016-03-09T22:31:24-05:00Battle of the birds, Eagles fly higher
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<figcaption>The MAC</figcaption>
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<p>Cha Sweeney capitalized for the Eastern Michigan with a 29-point performance, scoring 19 in the first half. After gaining momentum the Eagles soared out of reach for the Cardinals.
</p> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cleveland, OH --</b> It's another upset, but the Eagles aren't disappointed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">No. 6 Eastern Michigan (21-10, 11-8 MAC) rallied from an early deficit to take control and put the contest out of reach against No. 3 Ball State (21-9, 13-6 MAC) in a Mid-American Conference quarterfinal <span class="aqj"><span>on Wednesday</span></span> night at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
<p>After opening the game with an 8-0 run on back-to-back three-point baskets and a layup, Ball State only maintained an 18-17 advantage into the second period. Cha Sweeney brought the game within a point for Eastern Michigan, nailing consecutive three-pointers, with <span class="aqj"><span>3:26</span></span> left in the first quarter.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By the end of the first quarter, Sweeney totaled 10 points — but she was only getting started.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Helping the Eagles outscore the Cardinals 15-6 in the second period, Sweeney tacked on nine more points to go into halftime with 19 of Eastern Michigan's 32. <span> </span>The Eagles led Ball State 32-24 at the break.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Following the halftime intermission, Ball State jumped ahead on a 4-1 run. Sweeney broke it up, hitting a three-point basket to bring her total to 22 points; however, the Cardinals charged ahead on a 7-0 run to cut their deficit to 36-35.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the Eagles seemed to be taking a nose dive against the aggressive Cardinals, Chanise Baldwin stepped in to contribute four quick points and push the game back out in the Eagles’ favor 40-35.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Through the end of the period, the Eagles managed a 9-2 run to take a 45-37 lead into the fourth quarter. At the end of three quarters, Ball State held a slight advantage in the paint outscoring Eastern Michigan 22-18.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, the Eagles were 10-2 on second-chance points — out-rebounding the Cardinals, 12-7, on the offensive glass — 9-2 on fast break points and 8-0 on bench contributions with Sasha Dailey accounting for six points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ball State tried to put the pressure on Eastern Michigan to open to fourth quarter, but the Eagles soared. After out-scoring the Eagles 8-5 in the opening three minutes to make it a five-point game, 50-45, the Cardinals stumbled and gave up a 15-3 run that solidified Eastern Michigan's eventual 67-53 victory.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sweeney finished the contest as the scoring leader with 29 points. She also led the Eagles in steals and assists with three. Joining her in double figures, Janay Morton finished the contest with 12 points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br> The Cardinals were led by Carmen Grande and Nathalie Fontaine with 14 points apiece. Fontaine added 10 rebounds to her offensive production for the only double-double of the game, while Renee Bennett also reached double figures with 10 points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br> Knocking out Ball State, the Eastern Michigan Eagles will enjoy the win and prepare to take on Central Michigan <span class="aqj"><span>on Friday</span></span> afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/9/11190496/eastern-michigan-cha-sweeney-mac-tourneySara Welch2016-03-09T21:17:00-05:002016-03-09T21:17:00-05:00CMU makes a strong comeback in the 2nd half
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<figcaption>Photo by MAC</figcaption>
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<p>After 17 first-half points Shipman was silent in the final 20 minutes of play. The Broncos were outscored 36-26.</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Cleveland, OH -- </b>Central Michigan endured an early attack to outlast and defeat Western Michigan, 66-62, on Wednesday night in a Mid-American Conference quarterfinal at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
<p>After two upsets the No. 7 Western Michigan Broncos (17-15) set themselves up to make it three against the No. 2 Central Michigan Chippewas (21-9). The Broncos took a 10-point lead after the first quarter behind a 14-point contribution from Meredith Shipman, while the Chippewas only managed to stay in the game through the early effectiveness of Presley Hudson, who put together a nine-point period.</p>
<p>The Broncos led by as many as 15 points in the second quarter; however, Shipman's production fell off, and she accounted for only three more points before the halftime.</p>
<p>As the offense Shipman generated decreased, Western Michigan as whole slowed down and was outscored 15-11 by Central Michigan --€” mostly in the final two minutes. The Chippewas were led by Tinara Moore and Jewel Cotton, whom both scored six points in the second stanza.</p>
<p>Still, the Broncos entered the break with a slight 36-30 edge.</p>
<p>Western Michigan stretched its lead back out to nine to open the third quarter, but a 6-0 Central Michigan run that spanned two minutes eventually knotted the score at 43-43. Over the remaining 5:16, the Broncos only managed to outscore the Chippewas 9-7 as Central Michigan turned the game into a one-possession bout with 10 minutes to play.</p>
<p>Moving within striking distance, the Chippewas played looser and more comfortable. While the Broncos, who've played three games in the last four days, fell off the pace.</p>
<p>Opening scoring in the fourth quarter, Cassie Breen hit a 3-point basket to give Central Michigan a 53-52 advantage. Western Michigan knotted took one last lead (54-53) on a Deborah Meeks layup, but a perfect Moore trip to the free throw line definitively captured the lead for the Chippewas.</p>
<p>Alex Morton brought the score within one point, 61-60, for the Broncos with 4:07 remaining. However, that was as close as Western Michigan got to regaining control.</p>
<p>Throughout the entire second half -- after starting the game so strong -- Shipman was held scoreless. The Broncos saw others step in and finish in double figures as Morton, Meeks, and Breanna Mobley ended the night with 15, 12 and 10 points, respectively. Shipman finished the game as Western Michigan's leading scorer with 17.</p>
<p>Leading Central Michigan with consistent offensive production, Moore, Hudson and Cotton all reached double figures. Both Hudson and Moore totaled a game-high 18 points as Moore cleared a double-double with 12 rebounds as well. Cotton contributed 16 points.</p>
<p>Central Michigan will advance to the semifinal round to play the winner of the No. 3 Ball State-No. 6 Eastern Michigan matchup Friday afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
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https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/9/11189948/meredith-shipman-cmu-mac-quarterfinal-ncaawSara Welch2016-03-09T18:24:07-05:002016-03-09T18:24:07-05:00Brown wouldn't be denied
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<figcaption>Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>University of Akron stays undefeated in overtime, defeating the University of Toledo, 73-71, to advance in the Mid-American Conference tournament</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Cleveland, OH -- </b>Don't count out Anita Brown or the Akron Zips.</p>
<p>The No. 5-seeded University of Akron Zips (19-12, 12-7 MAC) put the game on Brown's back to beat the No. 4-seeded University of Toledo Rockets, 73-71, in overtime and pull off the second Mid-American Conference quarterfinal upset of the day. The victory pushes the Zips to an undefeated 4-0 record in overtime this season.</p>
<p>Playing 43 minutes, Brown accounted for more than half Akron's points, scoring a game-high 37.</p>
<p>"I'm very happy," Akron coach Jodi Kest said. "We have the utmost respect for Toledo. We knew it was going to come down to the end. I'm really glad we had Anita Brown tonight."</p>
<p>Toledo (17-13, 12-7 MAC) started the game with a 6-3 advantage; however, the cushion was short lived. Akron grabbed the lead with back-to-back 3-point baskets, pushing ahead 16-12 in the first quarter. It carried that lead until 9:08 remained in the game. By the end of 10 minutes, the Zips maintained a five-point edge with a 22-17 lead.</p>
<p>Opening the second period, the Rockets generated some offense and cut the score to one point around the five-minute mark, but never really found an answer for Brown.</p>
<p>Brown went off for 21 points on a 9-of-13 performance from the field in the first half to pace the Akron Zips to a 40-36 halftime advantage. While Brown's showing in the first half was nothing short of impressive, her production over the last two quarters and overtime endured.</p>
<p>Brown finished the game 17-of-31 from the field and 4-of-6 from the charity stripe with 37 points. She also led the Zips with three steals and finished second in both rebounding and assists with seven and two, respectively.</p>
<p>The third period started with a defensive stalemate as Brown knocked down a quick basket 30 seconds in and both teams were held scoreless over the next three minutes.</p>
<p>A perfect Brenae Harris trip to the free throw line with 6:12 left in the third encompassed Toledo's scoring for the quarter until just over two minutes remained, while Akron jumped ahead 50-38.</p>
<p>Jay-Ann Bravo-Harriott finally broke the Rocket's drought, hitting a 3-pointer and spurring a 5-0 run to close the quarter. However, the Zips still led 50-44 into the final 10 minutes. Brown totaled half of the Akron's points with 25, shooting 61.1 percent from the field at that juncture.</p>
<p>Heading into the final period, there had only been one lead change and one tied score. At the end of four quarters, the contest had been tied, and the lead had changed six times.</p>
<p>Opening the fourth period, Toledo extended its 5-0 run to 13 unanswered points that spanned over five and a half minutes. Bravo-Harriott brought the game within three points with 9:08 remaining in the game on a completed and-one attempt. Ana Capotosto evened the score at 50-50 with 7:56 left on the clock. Then the Rockets claimed their first lead since the first quarter as Harris again was perfect at the line. With 7:14 left, Toledo managed to take a 52-50 lead.</p>
<p>The run and only second lead change of the game motivated Akron break to the streak. DiAndra Gibson tied the score at 52-52 on a layup for her 10th point of the game, joining Brown in double figures and setting her teammate up to pick up the lead.</p>
<p>Brown followed up with a jumper to give the Zips a 54-52 edge. Megan Barilla facilitated both plays, getting her teammates the ball. Barilla led Akron in both assists and rebounds with six and 10, respectively.</p>
<p>Kaayla McIntyre tied the score again on a layup, and the took the lead back for the Rockets on a 1-for-2 trip to the line with 3:21 remaining. Toledo carried a narrow 55-54 cushion before Brown kissed a layup off the glass to set the game in Akron's favor by a point. Harris reversed things on a layup to set the score at 57-56 for the Rockets with three minutes to play.</p>
<p>A Sarah St. Fort free throw pushed the Toledo's advantage to two points, but Brown stole the ball and made a layup to help the Zips match the Rockets. With 1:09 on the clock, Toledo took a 62-60 lead via a perfect Capotosto trip to the free throw line.</p>
<p>It then held Akron scoreless until 10 seconds remained as Brown found Greta Burry for a quick layup to tie the score one last time at 60-60, sending the game into overtime.</p>
<p>After carrying a lead for a majority of the game Akron and allowing Toledo to crawl back into it, pushing things out five extra minutes, the Zips buckled down in overtime.</p>
<p>"I thought we were going to be fine, but we couldn't finish the deal," Toledo coach Tricia Cullop said. "Some of it you have to credit to Akron's defense, but you know, we missed some easy ones too right at the basket."</p>
<p>They quickly secured a lead and never relinquished it. Akron jumped ahead by as many as six and Toledo cut its deficit as close as one point with seconds remaining; however, the advantage never shifted back to the Rockets. Brown managed consecutive 1-for-2 trips to the line down the stretch to break up back-to-back 3-point baskets from Capotosto and Harris, allowing the Zips to claim a 73-71 victory.</p>
<p>Akron will advance to play the No. 8 University of Buffalo Bulls, who topped No. 1 University 72-60, in a semifinal matchup at noon on Friday at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
<p>"We've had two great games at our place and at their place, obviously they're really confident," Kest said.</p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/9/11189386/anita-brown-37-points-akron-mac-tourney-ncaawSara Welch2016-03-09T16:48:35-05:002016-03-09T16:48:35-05:00Bulls runs past Ohio for 3rd time
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<figcaption>Photo by the MAC</figcaption>
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<p>If there was one team the Ohio Bobcats didn't want to face, it was the Buffalo Bulls. Ohio only had two losses in conference play--both to Buffalo. The conference tournament brings a different mentality, yer for the Bulls, they had no change in mindset when it came to this opponent but to compete and hopefully beat them again. Wednesday afternoon that is exactly what happened.</p> <p></p>
<p><b>Cleveland, OH --</b> It's officially a streak.</p>
<p>"Today our young ladies decided that their time is now," University of Buffalo coach Felisha Legette-Jack said.</p>
<p>Charging into the Mid-American Conference quarterfinals, the University of Buffalo Bulls upset the top-seeded Ohio University Bobcats 72-60 on Wednesday afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland to collect their third straight win. The victory also marked the No. 8-seeded Bulls' (18-13, 9-10 MAC) third win this season against the Bobcats (24-6, 16-3 MAC).</p>
<p>"It was all about survive and advance from the get-go," Buffalo guard Joanna Smith said.</p>
<p>Incidentally, Ohio's only MAC losses throughout its 2015-16 campaign came at the hands of Buffalo. The Bulls, on the other hand, climbed one game closer to .500 among conference competition.</p>
<p>The Bobcats finished out the regular season with their second-straight outright MAC title, following a 75-58 defeat of Bowling Green. However, the magic ended there. Taking a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed, Ohio was overwhelmed in the third period and dropped its first tournament game to Buffalo.</p>
<p>The Bulls stampeded into the first quarter and took an early lead it never relinquished. The Bobcats managed to knot the contest twice; however, never captures the advantage. Buffalo enjoyed a 14-10 edge by the beginning of the second period and jumped ahead by as many as seven points in the first period.</p>
<p>Reeling from the opening 10 minutes, Ohio regained composure and grabbed momentum. The Bobcats managed to rally to a seven-point lead with 4:34 remaining before the intermission, but the Bulls answered and only allowed Ohio to take a slight 29-28 lead by halftime.</p>
<p>After a quiet first quarter, Quiera Lampkins found her footing and scored 11 points in the second period to lead the Bobcats attack.</p>
<p>Following the break, Buffalo continued to generate more offense and outscored Ohio 24-18 to take a 52-47 lead with one-quarter remaining.</p>
<p>To that point, Smith led the Bulls with 19 points and nine rebounds, scoring nine in the third quarter. By the end of the game, she led the team adding one more rebound for a double-double.</p>
<p>Joining Smith in double figures, Stephanie Reid and Cassie Oursler finished the game with 16 and 15 points, respectively. The pair combined for 15 of Buffalo's 20 in the fourth quarter to close the game out and grab the win.</p>
<p>Oursler got hot with 10 points in the final period, while Reid came through with five points. The Bulls outscored the Bobcats 20-13 over the last 10 minutes and led by 18 points with just under a minute in the game.</p>
<p>After struggling to reach 30 percent effectiveness from the field before halftime, the Bulls shot 56.3 percent from the field in the third quarter and bettered that to 63.6 percent in the fourth quarter as a team. They shot 43.1 percent on the game, while the Bobcats managed 38.5 percent efficiency.</p>
<p>Lampkins led Ohio with 23 points along with Lexie Baldwin and Kiyanna Black, whom each tallied 11 points.</p>
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https://www.swishappeal.com/2016/3/9/11187604/ohio-buffalo-upsets-top-seed-mac-tourneySara Welch