University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
1-2
Buffalo
3-0
Women's Basketball Falls to Buffalo, 56-48
November 21, 2015 | Women's Basketball
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AMHERST, Mass. -- Buffalo's Joanna Smith led all scorers with 21 points and the Bulls shot 81.8% from the free throw line as UB secured a 56-48 victory over Massachusetts at the Mullins Center Saturday evening.
With the win, Buffalo moves to 3-0, while UMass is 1-2 following the setback.
UMass freshman Bria Stallworth (13) and senior Rashida Timbilla (10) both finished in double figures, but it was a tough shooting afternoon for the Minutewomen, who finished 35.7% from the field after going 20-for-56 on the day.
Buffalo maintained control throughout most of the first half, highlighted by the performance of Smith. The junior sparked the Bulls offense early, posting seven in the first quarter. UB led by as much as seven in the opening frame, taking a 14-10 advantage into the second after Timbilla and Stallworth scored three apiece for the Minutewomen.
The second quarter was marked by another seven points from Smith, while Stallworth posted six of her own for UMass. The Bulls gained a 10-point lead at the 3:38 mark of the period, but the Minutewomen responded by closing the half with a 7-3 run, narrowing the halftime deficit to 29-23 in favor of Buffalo. The span included points from Stallworth, Cierra Dillard, and Alyssa Lawrence.
The Minutewomen netted 12 in third quarter, but two three-pointers and effective shooting inside gave the Bulls a 46-35 lead entering the fourth. The frame included layups from Timbilla and Maggie Mulligan, contributing to UMass' eight points in the paint in the quarter.
UMass mounted a rally in the final period, but fell short after an 11-2 run over a span of 7:22. The late run helped the Minutewomen get to within five at 51-46, led by scoring from five different players. The Bulls were able to seal the victory, however, with a three-pointer from Smith with 1:22 remaining.
UMass next travels to Boulder, Colo. for the Omni Hotels Classic, opening the tournament against Colorado on Friday, Nov. 27 at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
