Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Buffalo
Chippewa Women Fall, 64-54
2/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 22, 2003
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University could not overcome a horrendous first half shooting from the floor in dropping a 64-54 Mid-American Conference women's basketball decision to the University at Buffalo here Saturday afternoon.
The Chippewas hit only six-of-25 shots from the floor in the first half and trailed by a 28-17 margin at the break. Although CMU's shooting picked up in the final 20 minutes, the Chippewas could never get all the way back.
CMU is now 10-14 for the season and 4-9 in MAC action while the visiting Bulls are now 15-9 and 7-6 in loop play.
The one thing the Chippewas did well all game was shoot the three-pointer, nailing 10-of-18. After making three-of-seven in the first half from behind the arc, CMU was true on seven-of-11 in the second stanza. As usual, it was freshman Erin Kuhl doing most of the work. She hit five-of-eight to move into sixth place in school annals with 43 in her career.
After trailing by as many as 18 points in the second half at 40-22 with 13:47 remaining, the Chippewas battled to within six at 50-44 with 4:42 to play but could get no closer as the Bulls converted their final 10 free throws.
Kuhl was the lone Chippewa in double digits with 17. Game scoring honors went to 5-9 Bull guard Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe with 22. She got support from 6-1 junior forward Kim Kilpela with 11.
Buffalo dominated the backboards, holding a 45-32 edge behind Kilpela's 15. Senior guard Laurie Henderson led CMU with seven.
While neither team shot well from the field, Buffalo was a little more accurate at 39.7 percent to CMU's 32.1 percent. The Chippewas shot better from three-point range, hitting 55.6 percent.
CMU will look to put a halt to its three-game losing skid this Wednesday, February 26, when it plays host to Northern Illinois at 7 p.m.
