AMHERST, NY – Senior Olivia Luciani (Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse Minoa) netted 17 points, but Division I University at Buffalo shot nearly 50 percent and captured an 89-54 win over Buffalo State on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Arena.

The Bengals started out the game strong defensively, holding the Bulls to only nine points in the first five minutes. With 15:09 to play in the first half, Buffalo State trailed by just two points after freshman Keyonte Edwards (Buffalo, NY/O'Hara) knocked down two free throws.

However, the University at Buffalo turned hot offensively midway through the half and managed to take control of the game, never giving up the lead. The Bulls closed out the first half shooting 46.3 percent (19-41) from the field and a strong 43.8 percent (7-16) from three point range.

Despite tough defense and shooting better on offense in the second half, the Bengals found themselves in too big of a whole to dig out of.

Luciani led the way offensively with 17 points, three assists and two steals. Junior Brittnee Perry (Buffalo, NY/Hutch Tech) pulled down a team-high 12 rebounds, tallied a team-high three steals and added 12 points. Senior Jordan Yastremski (Bath, NY/Bath-Haverling) and freshman Niasha Houpe (Rochester, NY/William Floyd) tallied eight points.

The Bengals were extremely aggressive on the boards, even with a height disadvantage. The University of Buffalo only finished the game with a slight 55-49 advantage in total rebounds.

For the game, Buffalo State shot 23.8 percent (15-63) from the floor, 30 percent (3-10) from long range and 56.8 percent (21-37) from the free throw line.

The Bengals will officially open their season at home on Saturday, Nov. 15 when they host the first round of the Betty Abgott Invitational. Buffalo State will take on Theil College in the second game of the day at 2 p.m.