BUFFALO — Grace Licata (Williamsville/Williamsville South) hit a jumper in the lane with 13 seconds remaining to give Buffalo State a lead and three late field goals preserved a 61-59 victory over host Medaille in tonight’s non-conference season-opener.
Junior Caleh McLean (New Rochelle/New Rochelle) was Buffalo State’s leading scorer with a career-best 20 points. Sophomore transfer Princella McCullough (Rochester/Bishop Kearney) was dominant in the paint with 12 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks in her first game as a Bengal.
Licata finished with 13 points. The Bengals trailed 25-21 at halftime, but netted the final seven points of the third quarter to lead 42-38 entering the final frame.
Buffalo State pushed the lead to seven with under three minutes remaining, but Medaille responded with an 8-0 run to take a 57-56 lead with 48 seconds to go. After Buffalo State missed a quick attempt at the other end, Medaille turned the ball over to set up Licata’s second chance jumper to put Buffalo State back ahead. Medaille committed another unforced turnover on the ensuing possession, and the Bengals hit three free throws to seal the win before the Mavericks completed the scoring with a layup at the buzzer. Buffalo State shot 39 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range, but just 35 percent (6 of 17) from the free throw line. Medaille outrebounded the Bengals, 57-46, but Buffalo State had seven blocks, compared to one by the Mavericks.
Buffalo State will host the Betty Abgott Invitational this weekend. The Bengals will open against Cazenovia on Friday at 3 p.m.
from BuffaloStateAthletics.com via IFTTT
