On Tuesday night, the Buffalo men’s basketball team shot 51 percent from the field and 57 percent from three-point range – good enough to win on most nights.
But Buffalo also turned the ball over 31 times, resulting in a double-digit loss to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
VCU (6-5) defeated the Bulls (6-6) 90-69 at the Siegel Center in Richmond, Virginia Tuesday. The 21-point loss against the Rams was the third time in five games that the Bulls have lost by 20 points or more. The Bulls have one more game left before beginning Mid-American Conference play.
The Bulls started out strong, taking a 24-23 lead after a free throw from senior forward/guard Rodell Wigginton with 4:49 left in the first half. VCU would end the half on a 17-3 run, however, for a 40-27 halftime advantage. Rams guard Melvin Johnson was particular effective with eight points during the run.
VCU would hold onto its lead, as the closest Buffalo would get was cutting the deficit to 14 points, all despite the Bulls shooting 52 percent from the field and going 5 of 7 from three-point range in the second half.
Wigginton had a team-high 17 points and nine rebounds, as well as two steals. Freshman guard CJ Massinburg, in just his second-ever start, had 11 points, three rebounds and four assists, however he and sophomore guard Lamonte Bearden each had a team-high six turnovers.
The Bulls will return to Alumni Arena to face Delaware (5-5) on Tuesday, Dec. 29. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
Quentin Haynes is the co-senior sports editor and can be reached at quentin.haynes@ubspectrum.com. Follow him on Twitter at @HaynesTheWriter.
