BUFFALO, N.Y.-- Katie Villarini (Hamburg/Hamburg) scored a career high 27 points, including six in overtime, to lead Buffalo State to a 76-71 victory over visiting Fredonia in today's season finale to earn a point in the season-long "Battle by the Lake" rivalry competition.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE:  Buffalo State – 76, Fredonia - 71
LOCATION: Sports Arena – Buffalo, N.Y.
RECORDS: Buffalo State (13-12/7-11), Fredonia (11-14/8-10) 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Villarini finished 7 of 15 from the field and 11 of 14 at the free throw line and added three assists and three steals in the win.
• Senior Princella McCullough (Rochester/Bishop Kearney) netted 19 points to go with 10 rebounds, and Liv LeBaron (Corning/Corning East) had 17 points, nine boards and four steals. 
• Buffalo State scored the first 10 points of the game, but Fredonia outscored the Bengals 20-12 in the second quarter to lead 32-31 at halftime. 
• The Blue Devils opened the second half with an 8-2 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 40-33, but the Bengals responded quickly to even the scored at 42-42.
• Buffalo State led by five heading into the fourth quarter, but the lead continued to trade hands until Fredonia evened the score at 64-64 with 2:47 remaining in regulation. 
• Neither team could score before the close of the fourth quarter, including two missed free throws by Fredonia with seven seconds remaining and a Blue Devils jumper at the buzzer that was blocked by Grace Licata (Williamsville/Williamsville South).
• Fredonia took an early edge in overtime, but the Bengals scored five straight points before a Blue Devils 3-pointer cut the margin to 72-71 with 23 seconds left.
• A pair of free throws each by Jenna Faulkner (Lockport/Starpoint) and Licata sealed the win in the closing seconds.

FOR THE FOES

• Jenna Einink led Fredonia with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
• Katie Pitcher also had 15 points along with nine rebounds, and Anna Chiacchia scored 14 points.

NOTEWORTHY

• Faulkner, McCullough and Licata were recognized on senior day prior to today's season finale.
• Buffalo State evened the score in the season long "Battle by the Lake" competition.
• Fredonia finished in the sixth and final playoff position, while Buffalo State finished tied for seventh.