Women’s Basketball Closes Out Month at Akron on Saturday

The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team is set to conclude its January schedule with a Saturday matchup against the Akron Zips. The game, the 63rd meeting between the two programs, is scheduled for 12pm and will be available via ESPN+ and AM 1400, as well as the Varsity Network.

Series History & Recent Performance

Buffalo currently holds a 36-26 advantage in the all-time series against Akron, having secured a victory in their previous encounter last season. However, the Bulls are coming off a 71-51 loss to Eastern Michigan on Wednesday at Alumni Arena.

Freshman Leadership

Despite the recent setback, the Bulls are demonstrating a reliance on their freshman class. Aniya Rowe led the team in scoring for the tenth time this season against Eastern Michigan, contributing 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Diann Jackson added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Janyah Bohanon scored nine and Meg Lucas contributed eight points and seven rebounds.

Did You Know? Buffalo is the only team in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) to have three freshmen averaging over 25 minutes per game.

Rowe currently leads Buffalo in scoring, averaging 12.1 points per game, and boasts the team’s highest three-point field goal percentage at .376. Meg Lucas is a rebounding force, ranking 28th nationally with an average of 9.9 rebounds per game. The Bulls, as a team, lead the MAC in offensive rebounds, averaging 15.0 per game.

Akron’s Challenge

Akron enters the contest with a 3-17 overall record and an 0-8 mark in league play, following an 80-62 defeat to Bowling Green on Wednesday. Ni’Rah Clark paces the Zips offensively, averaging 11.7 points per game, supported by Shaena Brew (9.5 ppg), Monique Mitchel (9.3 ppg), and Keiryn McGuff (9.1 ppg, 5.9 rpg).

The Zips have found some success on their home court, averaging 76.6 points per game while shooting nearly 41% from the field. They also average 40.6 rebounds, 12.5 assists, 7.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per contest at home. Akron currently ranks 35th in the NCAA in bench scoring (26.0 ppg).

Expert Insight: Akron’s home court advantage, demonstrated by their scoring and rebounding statistics, suggests a potential for a competitive game despite their overall record. Buffalo will need to maintain their rebounding intensity to counter this.

Following Saturday’s game, Buffalo is scheduled to return home to host Central Michigan on February 4th at Alumni Arena for Education Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times have Buffalo and Akron played each other?

This will be the 63rd overall meeting between the University at Buffalo and Akron, with Buffalo leading the series 36-26.

Who led Buffalo in scoring in their most recent game?

Freshman guard Aniya Rowe led the Bulls in scoring against Eastern Michigan with 13 points, adding six rebounds and five assists.

What is Akron’s current record in league play?

Akron is currently 0-8 in league play, with an overall record of 3-17.

How will Buffalo’s reliance on freshman players impact their performance as the season progresses?