Two teams near the bottom of the MAC standings faceoff on Tuesday night when the Buffalo Bulls (3-20, 1-9 MAC) travel to take on the Northern Illinois Huskies (8-15, 2-8 MAC). Buffalo is coming off an overtime win over Georgia Southern, winning 82-81 as 8.5-point underdogs. Northern Illinois just lost on the road to South Alabama, going down 75-66 and missing the cover as 6.5-point dogs. Each team took part in the MAC-Sun Belt challenge in their last game. This is the first of two matchups between these teams this season. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 EST from the NIU Convocation Center in Dekalb, Illinois.
Struggling with handicapping? Try our NCAAB Predictions!
The Buffalo Bulls are currently 3-20 overall, and had lost their last nine games before finally beating Georgia Southern in their last outing. With their three wins, there are only three teams in the entire nation with less wins heading into this game. Buffalo is last in the MAC, but can dig their way out of the basement with a few wins. In their last game, they were led by forward Isaiah Adams with 24 points in the win over Georgia Southern.
Here are the top-5 plays against Georgia Southern, presented by @ECMCBuffalo!#UBhornsUP #ALLinGRIT pic.twitter.com/FH4ZJ59Yc6
— Buffalo Men's Basketball (@UBuffaloMBB) February 12, 2024
The Bulls are led in scoring by their 6'8, 225-pound senior forward Sy Chatman with 18.0 PPG. He also adds 6.4 RPG and is coming off a 23 point, 12 rebound double-double in the win over Georgia Southern. Chatman has scored double figures in each of his last eight games, including a 27 point game against Ball State. Isaiah Adams is their only other double-figure scorer, he averages 13.2 PPG as a 6'6 senior forward. Adams has also been scoring well as of late, he has reached double figures in his last five games, and is coming off the 24 point performance last time out. The top shooter on the team is 6'2 guard Ryan Sabol, he has made 46 threes on the season on 37.1% shooting from deep while adding 8.1 PPG.
Buffalo is currently ranked 347th in the nation according to KenPom. They rank 337th in offensive efficiency and 345th in defensive efficiency. The Bulls play at the 128th fastest pace in the nation. Buffalo would need to wi n the MAC Tournament to advance to the NCAA Tournament.
Injury Report: None listed