The only good thing about hitting bottom is that there is nowhere to go but up.
After suffering their worst loss in four years against Kent State Tuesday, UB (1-12 Mid-American Conference, 4-18) will look for redemption Saturday at noon when Miami (Ohio) comes to town.
Miami (9-4 MAC, 11-11) is bringing with them the momentum of a home blowout win and a last second win on the road. The Redhawks beat Marshall 69-49 Saturday, then defeated Akron last night 55-53 on a field goal by Juby Johnson with .4 seconds left. Johnson is the reigning MAC East player of the week.
"For us right now it's going to take a miraculous effort," said UB head coach Reggie Witherspoon. "A miraculous effort that we are capable of, but a miraculous effort nonetheless."
UB has had their work cut out for them this week as the RedHawks have prided themselves on their defense all season. Finding ways to score will be at the top of Witherspoon's to do list. Scoring will be a lot more difficult without point guard Turner Battle, as Kent State pointed out on Tuesday.
The Bulls have been stricken with injuries for most of this season, none as difficult as losing Battle with a broken finger. Stepping into his role is senior Davis Lawrence.
"(The team) is looking to do more than I'm used to doing," said Lawrence. "I have to take the initiative and lead my club now that I'm the leader."
Lawrence will be backed up on offense by guards Roderick Middleton, Mario Jordan and Calvin Cage.
"It's going to be a mix," said Witherspoon. "Certainly Davis is better prepared to start the game, having been there before, the experience factor. It will be a mix though because they need the experience as well."
One thing Witherspoon may be concerned with is the fact that Saturday's game was moved to noon so that it could be televised live on the Empire Sports Network and on other regional stations in the Northeast. With many freshmen playing extended minutes, stage fright may be a factor in the Bulls' first TV game of the season.
"I think there may be jitters," said Witherspoon. "For the guys like Mario Jordan and B.J. Walker, who are from Ohio and the game is (broadcast) back there, they may have some butterflies."
With their record being as it is, UB is looking to finish the end of the season strong and build for next year. Winning a few of the last games could go a long way, and that is on Witherspoon's mind.
"I think that more than anything, it's the second time around (with Miami), the second place team in the MAC East. A team that we went to their place and played them pretty well," said Witherspoon "Now we're coming back home and attempting to do it without Turner (Battle). Those will be the factors that will be weighing on the guys minds."
Fans may wish to get to the arena early, both to scope out a good place to sit, and to sample some of the area's best chicken wings.
Five different wing companies will be at Alumni Arena before the game on Saturday with 600 wings each, part of a preview to the Buffalo Wing Festival on Labor Day weekend. The wings are open to all for free sampling.
The special wing event, however, will force the university to roll back the bleachers on the west end of the arena. The bleachers on the east side are always rolled back for the kids' zone or special parties. Only the bleachers along the sideline on the south side of the arena will be available for general admission on Saturday.
