The University of Massachusetts women’s basketball team (13-3, 5-1 MAC) secured a 79-67 victory over Buffalo (2-15, 0-6 MAC) on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Arena in Buffalo, New York. The win marks the Minutewomen’s ninth double-digit scoring game of the season.
Dominance on the Boards
UMass established control early with a 12-0 run to start the contest. Senior forward Megan Olbrys led the charge, finishing with 19 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. She achieved her third double-double of the season – and in the first half alone – with 11 points and 10 rebounds at the break.
Ayanna Franks and Yahmani McKayle also contributed significantly to the Minutewomen’s offense, scoring 18 and 17 points respectively. Allie Palmieri added 11 points to the tally. As a team, UMass dominated the paint, scoring 40 points and collecting a season-high 51 rebounds.
Key Moments in the Game
The Minutewomen’s strong start continued into the second quarter, where they opened with a 12-2 run. Franks and McKayle were instrumental in building the lead, while Aiyanna Perkins halted a brief Buffalo rally with a mid-range jumper. UMass entered halftime with a commanding 43-25 advantage.
The third quarter saw continued success for UMass, with contributions from Palmieri and a key jumper from Olbrys. The Minutewomen maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, ultimately closing out the game with a 79-67 win.
Looking Ahead
The Minutewomen will continue their road trip with a challenging matchup against Ball State on Wednesday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+ in Muncie, Indiana. If UMass can maintain its current level of play, particularly its dominance on the boards, they could pose a significant challenge to Ball State. Live updates and links to the game will be available at umassathletics.com and on X (formerly Twitter) @UMassWBB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was University of Massachusetts 79, Buffalo 67.
Who led the Minutewomen in scoring?
Megan Olbrys led the Minutewomen with 19 points.
How many rebounds did UMass collect as a team?
The Minutewomen collected a season-high 51 rebounds.
What factors do you think will be most important for the UMass women’s basketball team as they continue their season?
