AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Playing their best basketball as the endgame arrives, University at Buffalo's women have extended their season further than ever before.
Stampeding through March Madness with another comeback victory, UB has reached the "Fab 4" round of the WNIT, closing out the month with
a 71-64 home win against Rutgers on Sunday. The Bulls will meet the winner of Monday's quarterfinal game between Cleveland State and Purdue Fort Wayne on Wednesday night at a location to be announced.
The semifinal could be played at Alumni Arena, where UB drew an energized crowd of 2,084 for its first win of the season against a major conference opponent. Beating a team from the Big Ten for the first time since a 2019 NCAA tournament victory against Rutgers, it also was UB's first win against a power conference foe since 2022 at Syracuse.
"Games like today are why we work so hard all season," coach Becky Burke said. "To see their work shine through in the brightest moment makes me really happy. This team is so special, and we showed we belong with the best. Thankful for an incredible crowd once again, as they played a huge factor."
Burke thanked the UB fans after Sunday's win, proclaiming on the public address that "it's not like this everywhere else."
Chellia Watson had 28 points to lead the Bulls, and Kirsten Lewis-Williams added 19. Local point guard Noelani Cornfield had seven points, seven assists and six rebounds.
UB came back from down 10 points in the second quarter and 34-27 at halftime. The Bulls improved to 7-5 this season when trailing at the start of the fourth quarter.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.
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