BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Buffalo Bulls secured their first victory of the season, defeating the Fordham Rams 67-59 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Sunday at Alumni Arena.

The Bulls, who improved to 1-3, used a decisive second-quarter surge and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch to fend off a persistent Fordham squad that fell to 3-2.

Fordham started strong, building a 16-11 lead after the first quarter behind an active defense that forced several early Buffalo turnovers. However, the Rams’ offense went frigid in the second period, managing just seven points as the Bulls seized control. Buffalo outscored Fordham 17-7 in the quarter to take a 28-23 lead into halftime, a margin they would not relinquish.

The Rams mounted a challenge in the third quarter, erupting for 22 points to keep the game within reach. But every time Fordham closed the gap, Buffalo had an answer, often from the three-point line or the free-throw line, to maintain its advantage.

Paula Lopez, a guard from Alicante, Spain, led all scorers with 19 points for Buffalo, including three shots from beyond the arc. Her backcourt partner, Aniya Rowe of Geneva, New York, provided a versatile stat line with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists, orchestrating the Bulls’ offense effectively.

Inside, Buffalo was anchored by Meg Lucas of Melbourne, Australia, who controlled the glass with a game-high 14 rebounds to go with 10 points.

Fordham’s effort was led by a trio of players who each scored 13 points: Ornella Niankan, Alexis Black and Emma Wilson-Saltos of the Bronx, New York. Niankan added seven rebounds, while Black contributed four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and a game-high four steals. Wilson-Saltos narrowly missed a double-double with eight rebounds.

The game was ultimately decided by efficiency, or the lack thereof. While both teams struggled from the field, Buffalo found other ways to score. The Bulls shot 35 percent from the floor, but connected on 8 of 20 three-point attempts for a 40 percent clip. They were also more effective from the free-throw line, making 17 of 22 attempts.

Fordham, by contrast, endured a dismal shooting night. The Rams made just 19 of 65 field goal attempts, a 29.2 percent rate, and were an ice-cold 3 of 23 from three-point range. They kept the game close by converting 18 of 20 free throws and by forcing 21 Buffalo turnovers, compared to their own 16.

Defensive intensity was a hallmark for both sides, but Fordham’s pressure was particularly notable, racking up 13 steals and five blocks. However, they were unable to overcome their profound shooting woes and were out-rebounded by the Bulls 45-39.

The victory provides a needed boost for Buffalo, which had opened its season with losses to Vermont, Kentucky and Marshall. Fordham, which entered the game on a two-game winning streak after victories over Saint Peter’s and Stony Brook, will look to regroup.

Fordham next travels to face Seton Hall on Thursday. Buffalo’s schedule continues with a road game at Saint Bonaventure on Wednesday.