It's the time of year when players have one eye on the ball - and one eye on the scoreboard. With three teams locked in the eighth position, the Buffalo men's basketball team appears to have the inside track for a home playoff game. With a win at home Saturday night against Marshall, the Bulls will be taking a huge step into getting that all-important first-round home playoff game. Here is a look at the four teams Buffalo will have to stave off to host a MAC tourney contest.
Northern Illinois: The Huskies just blew a golden opportunity to obtain sole possession of eighth place. They dropped an 88-80 decision at Akron at the J.A.R, in a game that saw the Zips convert 30 of 33 foul shots.
Remaining games:
Saturday, Feb. 23 Central Michigan 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Ball State 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 2 at Western Michigan 2 p.m.
Marshall: Were the victims of a 116-76 dismantling at the hands of Kent State Tuesday. Need to regroup for Saturday's critical tilt against Buffalo. A loss there and Marshall can pretty much kiss their hopes for a home playoff game goodbye.
Remaining games:
Saturday, Feb. 23 at Buffalo 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 27 Central Michigan 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 2 at Akron 3 p.m.
Buffalo: Controls their own destiny for home court advantage. Three wins guarantees them a home game; two should be enough, and even one, against Marshall, could be enough. Needs to find their offense, which has gone into hibernation for much of the cold Buffalo winter.
Remaining games:
Saturday, Feb. 23 Marshall 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 25 at Miami, Ohio 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Bowling Green 7 p.m.
Akron: Snapped a four-game losing streak with an upset of the Huskies. Have one of the best free-throw scorers and shooters in the MAC in Rasheed Brown. May need to win out to get one more game at the J.A.R.
Remaining games:
Saturday, Feb. 23 at Bowling Green 3 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 25 at Kent State 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 2 Marshall 3 p.m.
Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
