From left, Stephanie Reid, Cierra Dillard, Cassie Oursler and UB Coach Felisha Legette-Jack met the national media on Friday.

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(From right) UB Coach Felisha Legette-Jack and starters Cassie Oursler, Cierra Dillard and Stephanie Reid met the national media Friday afternoon on the eve of their opening-round showdown with South Florida in the NCAA tournament. Not surprisingly, the first question was about just how much they were inspired by the UB men’s 89-68 demolition of Arizona late Thursday. “We feel empowered from that,” said Oursler. “They came out inspired, and that’s something we know we have to do tomorrow,” said Reid. “Just seeing that with Buffalo on your chest, you can do anything,” added Dillard. Legette-Jack said she texted UB men’s coach Nate Oats at 1 a.m. Friday and expected a reply several hours later. “At 1:41 I get a text from Nate saying, ‘Let’s continue what we’re doing,’” she said. “‘Don’t get excited about all the stuff around. Let’s just quiet the noise and continue our journey.’” After the news conference, the UB women hit the practice floor at the cavernous Donald L. Tucker Center, where they will play Saturday. The game, and the next step on the UB women’s journey, begins at 1:30 p.m. Photo: Mark Wallheiser

Published March 16, 2018 This content is archived.