November 18, 2007
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo State scored the first 11 points in the overtime period and never looked back in an 81-71 victory over Hartwick in the first round of the Betty Abgott Invitational, Saturday evening at the Buffalo State Sports Arena.
Toya Parks sparked the run in overtime with five points, including hitting a three-pointer to give the Bengals some cushion. Hartwick did put together a mini 5-0 run to get back within 75-69 on a three-pointer by
Fritzi Flores (Bergenfield, N.J.) and a jumper by
Katie Caddell (Amsterdam, N.Y.), but couldn't get any closer as Buffalo State connected on four of six free throws down the stretch to put the game away.
Trailing 58-50 with 5:58 left in regulation, the Hawks went on a 10-0 run and gained the lead at 60-58 on a lay-up by Flores with 2:34 left. The advantage was 64-61 following two free throws by
Samantha Galm (Kingston, N.Y.) at 1:46. However, Shareese Hamer netted the last three points of regulation by hitting a jumper with 1:36 and sent the game into overtime by hitting one of two free throws with 20 seconds left. Hartwick was down by as many as 10 in the second half.
Flores hit back-to-back three pointers to start the scoring, and
Danee Harrison (Ansonia, Conn.) netted a string of eight consecutive points to give the Hawks a quick 14-6 start in the opening 10 minutes. With Hartwick leading 17-16, Buffalo State took the lead for good in the first half with an 11-3 run to grab a 27-20 advantage. The Bengals went into the half holding a 29-24 lead.
Harrison converted eight of 10 shots from the floor and en route to a team-high 18 points, while Galm registered a double-double in a reserve role with 12 point and 12 rebounds. In their collegiate debuts, Flores finished with 16 points and six assists and
Sarah Waltersdorf (Clifton Park, N.Y.) added six points and nine rebounds.
Hartwick will face Becker in the consolation game Sunday.
