UMass Minutewomen Dominate Western Michigan in MAC Opener

The UMass Minutewomen women’s basketball team secured a convincing 73-40 victory against Western Michigan in their first Mid-American Conference (MAC) game on January 3, 2025. The match, held at the Mullins Center, showcased a dominant performance from UMass, particularly in the first half, where they established a significant lead.

Chineye Odenigbo emerged as a standout player, scoring a career-high 14 points, with 12 of those points coming in the first half. Odenigbo’s efficiency was evident as she went 6-of-7 from the field. Her ability to establish position near the basket allowed her to finish strong against defenders, demonstrating her offensive prowess.

Reflecting on her performance, Odenigbo stated, “Head coach Mike Leflar has always wanted me to be more assertive on the offensive side. I think I was able to show off my post moves today.” Coach Leflar acknowledged Odenigbo’s growth, emphasizing the importance of a scoring mentality when receiving the ball.

Although Odenigbo played only eight minutes in the second half, her impact extended beyond scoring. She contributed defensively by blocking passing lanes and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. The Minutewomen adopted an aggressive defensive strategy, employing a full-court press for much of the game. This relentless pressure resulted in a remarkable 24 turnovers forced against Western Michigan.

Lilly Ferguson, a key player for UMass, remarked, “The turnovers just came to us. We always focus on defending and executing on the defensive end because that leads to offense.” The Minutewomen initially struggled defensively, allowing Western Michigan to score early. However, they quickly regrouped to limit the Broncos to just 29 points following their initial surge.

Coach Leflar noted, “There was no panic. We were able to tighten things up. Our veteran group understands what’s important, and they responded well.” UMass showcased their depth, with contributions from multiple players. Megan Olbrys scored 12 points, all in the first half, while Allie Palmieri added 11 points and three steals. Lilly Ferguson rounded out the strong performance with seven points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

The depth of the Minutewomen was evident as 12 players participated in the contest, and freshman Eva Hannon scored her first collegiate points. Coach Leflar highlighted the unique strengths each player brings to the team, stating, “There’s not a lot of drop-off, which is nice.”

With this victory, UMass improved its overall record to 9-2 and holds a 1-0 record in the MAC. They will continue their campaign on January 3, 2025, against Kent State at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, with tipoff scheduled for 15:30. Coach Leflar emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “We know we’ll face challenges, but it starts with how we prepare each and every single day of practice.”