Buffalo Wins WNIT Title, Sets Program Record

Chellia Watson leads Bulls to victory over Troy in championship game

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Chellia Watson scored 23 points with seven rebounds and six assists to help the University at Buffalo women's basketball team defeat Troy 88-84 and win the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) championship. The victory set a new program record for most wins in a single season.

Why it matters

The WNIT championship is a significant accomplishment for the University at Buffalo women's basketball program, which has been steadily building a strong team in recent years. Winning the tournament title and setting a new program record for wins demonstrates the team's growth and success, which could help raise the profile of the program and attract more talent in the future.

The details

In the WNIT championship game played at Alumni Arena, senior guard Chellia Watson led the way for Buffalo with a standout performance. Watson scored 23 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists to power the Bulls to the 88-84 victory over Troy. The win gave Buffalo its first-ever WNIT title and set a new program record for most wins in a single season.

  • The WNIT championship game was played on March 9, 2026.

The players

Chellia Watson

A senior guard for the University at Buffalo women's basketball team who led the Bulls to the WNIT championship with a 23-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist performance.

University at Buffalo

The women's basketball program at the University at Buffalo, which won the 2026 WNIT championship and set a new program record for most wins in a single season.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the WNIT championship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. I'm so proud of how we came together and fought to the end to bring home this title.”

— Chellia Watson, Senior Guard, University at Buffalo (FOX Sports)

What’s next

The University at Buffalo women's basketball team will look to build on their WNIT championship success and compete for a spot in the NCAA Tournament next season.

The takeaway

The University at Buffalo women's basketball program has emerged as a rising force in the region, demonstrating its ability to compete at a high level and win championships. This WNIT title could be a springboard for the Bulls to achieve even greater success in the future.