Despite Watterworth’s strong effort, Oakland women’s basketball team falls in overtime at Buffalo

Following a tough loss against nationally ranked Purdue on Tuesday night, the Oakland women’s basketball team faced a quick turnaround on Thursday afternoon at Buffalo. The Golden Grizzlies (5-6) fell just short against the Buffalo Bulls (4-8) 69-65 in overtime in the last non-league game of the year for Oakland.

Junior Bethany Watterworth led the Oakland attack with an impressive 28 points and 7 rebounds.

Redshirt senior Brittany Carnago came very close to a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Carnago was a force in the paint, having 6 blocks. Star senior guard Zakiya Minifee added 6 points and 12 rebounds.

Buffalo set the tone early, leading the entire first half. In the second, Oakland clawed its way back cutting into the lead with several runs to make it close near the end. Watterworth made the play of the day with an offensive rebound, layup, and drawing a foul as time expired. With zeros left on the game clock, Watterworth hit a free throw to send the game into overtime.

Oakland failed to carry their momentum into the extra frame, mustering only three baskets in overtime.

Watterworth’s performance was bested by Buffalo senior Brittany Hedderson’s school-record 39 points.

Hedderson had 19 points in the first half alone for the Bulls, and notched 11 rebounds to score a double-double.

Redshirt sophomore Nytor Longar also had a double-double for the Bulls having 12 rebounds and 12 points.

Oakland continues its holiday road trip by heading west against South Dakota State on Dec. 29 and North Dakota State on New Year’s Eve.