The Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team’s defense prevailed over the University at Buffalo Bulls, 70-55, Wednesday night in Buffalo.
The Eagles held Buffalo to only 29 percent shooting in the game while forcing 19 turnovers. EMU scored 21 points off the Bulls mistakes. The second defense was impressive holding the Bulls to only 17 percent (6-35) shooting. EMU shot well from the field at 46 percent (27-58) for the game.
Four Eagles reached double figures with Cha Sweeney leading the way with 19 points and three steals. Chanise Baldwin notched a double-double in the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Sasha Dailey was impressive off the bench for EMU with 17 points and four steals while Janay Morton added 12 points.
The Eagles got off to a good start on the road shooting over 50 percent midway through the first quarter. The Bulls would not let up keeping the game within reach at the end of the quarter trailing 21-19.
Dailey got the Eagles going defensively off the bench, turning steals into layups with 12 early points and four steals. The Eagles went on an 11-2 run taking a double-digit 12-point lead. EMU’s defense remained relentless forcing 13 turnovers in the first half. The Bulls would cut their deficit in the final two minutes as they trail 39-33 to start the second half.
To start the second half, the Eagles got off to a fast start taking a double-digit lead early in the third quarter. Buffalo limited the turnovers, but was unable to score the basketball after multiple opportunities. Cha Sweeney kept the game out of reach attacking the basket and knocking down a couple jumpers before getting into foul trouble in the final minute of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Eagles were on a scoring drought for over three minutes, but managed to keep their double-digit lead. With less than three minutes to go in the game, the Eagles stretched the lead going on an 8-0 run - while holding the Bulls to only two points in the process. The Eagles only allowed eight points in the final quarter for the Bulls.
Looking Forward:
The Eagles will hope to continue their win streak Saturday as they host Northern Illinois at the Convocation Center. The Huskies are coming off a 73-67 loss to Central Michigan.
