The Buffalo State women’s basketball team outscored their opponents by a combined 31 points in the second half, helping them to a 62-51 win over New Paltz (9-8, 7-3 SUNYAC) on Friday before defeating Oneonta (11-6, 9-2 SUNYAC), 66-51, on Saturday at the Sports Arena.
Timely shooting, stout defense, and a balanced attack helped the Bengals improve to 16-2 (9-2 SUNYAC) on the season as the team moved into a tie for first place atop the SUNYAC standings.
The Bengals’ top three players carried the team against New Paltz. Junior forward Bianca Smiley had a team-leading seventh double-double on the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds while senior guard Barb Kiliszek chipped in 12 points. Junior guard Staci McElroy also added 10 points and eight rebounds.
After trailing 36-31 at halftime, the Bengals used their defense to climb back into the game, giving up only 15 points in the final 20 minutes to pull off the win over the Hawks.
“New Paltz is a very athletic team,” said head coach Sue Roarke. “We struggled in the first half so I thought the zone would slow them down and crashing the paint would cut off driving lanes and we did a good job doing that.
“We like to play every game based on the team and their strengths, so adjustments are a big part of what we do coming out of the locker room,” Roarke continued.
Smiley agreed, stating that defense will be key in the team’s pursuit of a division title.
“The team all season has preached defense,” added senior captain Barb Kiliszek. “Coach Roarke works with us throughout practice and it’s showing results out on the court.”
Poppa Mansdorf led New Paltz with 10 points off the bench while Kaitlin Clifford contributed nine for the Hawks. As a team, New Paltz shot just 26 percent in the second half.
On Saturday, the Bengals used a 46-point second half to cruise past Oneonta with first place on the line.
Kiliszek nearly had a triple double in the win and ended up with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Smiley had 13 points and Divine Sebuharara added 12 points to go with seven rebounds.
The Bengals also received strong play from sophomore guard Kala Crawford chipped in with 10 points and three assists off the bench.
“Our depth has helped us this season to the point where if one of our big scorers has an off game, we have girls who can come in and contribute right away,” said Roarke. “We have three freshmen who can play big minutes for us and I think that has keyed some of our wins.”
After the two teams entered intermission tied, 20-20, the Bengals used a 16-6 run midway through the second half to take a lead they would not relinquish. The Bengals out-rebounded the Red Dragons, 41-26.
Roarke said she was very impressed by Sebuharara’s play, calling it her “best games of the year.” She added Kiliszek’s “refusing to lose” attitude has rubbed off on her teammates, leading to the full-team effort over the weekend.
“Whatever it takes to win, I’m all in,” said Kiliszek, nonchalantly, in response to Roarke’s praises. “Like I said before, our goal is a home playoff game and even more — a division title.”
Samantha Szkotak led Oneonta with 16 points and six rebounds and Grace Schilling added 10 points while the Red Dragons shot just 38 percent from the field.
With the win the Bengals avenged their early season loss to Oneonta and now have a chance at a division crown with seven games remaining in the season.
However, Roarke was quick to point out five of those seven games are on the road where there will be a “target on their back” as opposing teams will be looking to knock off the first-place Bengals.
Buffalo State is set to hit the road this weekend as they will travel to Plattsburgh on Friday and Potsdam on Saturday.
Aubrey Gibert can be reached by email at gibert.record@live.com.