After winning two games in a row, the 2007-2008 season looked like it was turning around for the Buffalo Bulls men's basketball team. However, after falling for a second consecutive contest, the season seems to be unwinding again.
UB dropped its second game in a row on Saturday night in Alumni Arena versus last year's Mid-American Conference Champions, the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks, 64-55.
"There are times when you have to be able to win a low scoring game and today we are not mentally prepared to handle that type of game," said Buffalo head coach Reggie Witherspoon.
The RedHawks led through the first seven minutes of play until junior guard Greg Gamble hit a jumper to put the Bulls up 12-11.
Buffalo (8-16, 2-10 MAC) held on to the lead until Miami (Ohio) (13-11, 7-5) went on a 15-6 run during the last seven minutes of the half, ignited by on a jump-shot by guard Carl Richburg. The Bulls went into half down 34-28.
Miami (Ohio) built on its lead through the entire second half, extending its advantage to as much as 20 on a three-pointer by forward Michael Bramos at the 3:31 mark to go up 59-39. Buffalo closed out the game by going on a 16-5 run to narrow the final score margin down to single digits.
"Our guys did a great job in the six minutes before the half ended of taking the lead and then extending the lead in the second half," said Miami (Ohio) head coach Charlie Coles. "That was some of our best defense we played in the second half all year."
"Miami played well and we didn't," Witherspoon said. "We didn't defend well enough. I think we missed some very easy opportunity shot in the paint and I think it drained us energy wise."
UB was lead offensively by sophomore guard Byron Mulkey who scored 15 points. Sophomore forward Max Boudreau led the team in rebounds with seven while junior guard Andy Robinson had a team-high three steals.
Guard Kenny Hayes had a game-high 16 points while center Tyler Dierkers pulled down 13 boards. Game-highs were also made by forward Tim Pollitz with three assists and Bramos recorded four blocks.
The Bulls next face the Kent State Golden Flashes on Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at Alumni Arena.