A pair of MAC teams desperate for a win will cross paths when the Buffalo Bulls (10-12, 12-8-0 ATS, 4-5 MAC) play the Western Michigan Broncos (6-16, 7-11-1 ATS, 2-7 MAC). This series has been ugly for the Broncos, as they have dropped nine in a row to the Bulls. To make matters worse, the past five Buffalo wins have all been by double digits. This will be the only meeting between the schools this season and it is scheduled to take place in University Arena (MI). Tipoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. EST.
Buffalo lost their last two games, albeit against the top two teams in the conference, to drop their MAC record to 4-5. The most recent of the losses was an 81-64 drubbing handed to them by Akron. Not much went right in that game, as they allowed Akron to shoot 55.4% from the floor and 66.7% on threes. Meanwhile, they only shot 42.1% and 25.0% on their triples. They did excel at rebounding, winning that battle 36-27 thanks to 16 offensive boards. Sophomore Curtis Jones led the Bulls with 20 points and six rebounds.
Curtis Jones cuts into the Akron lead!#UBhornsUP pic.twitter.com/Cs8jIwwOHH
— UB Men's Basketball (@UBmenshoops) February 1, 2023
The Bulls have the fifth-highest adjusted tempo in the nation, which helps lead them to 75.0 points per game, the second most in the MAC. As a team they make 46.0% of their shots which is third in the conference, despite only knocking down 32.6% of their threes, 10th among the 12 MAC teams. They also average 19.9 free throw attempts per game and 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, with both numbers ranking third in the conference this season.
On defense, Buffalo is allowing 77.0 points per game which is 10th in the conference. However, tempo plays a major part in that, as they limit opponents to 43.9% shooting which is fifth in the MAC. Their three-point defense is also fifth, holding foes to 34.0% from downtown. Buffalo is also second in steals per game, swiping the ball 8.4 times a night. A concerning number for the Bulls is the 22.7 free-throw attempts per game they allow opposing teams to take, last in the conference and 350th in the countr y.
The Bulls have struggled on the road this season, with only a 1-6 record away from home. KenPom has Buffalo ranked 178th this season. It seems safe to say their only path to the NCAA tournament is through winning the MAC tournament.
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