Don't let the record fool you.
Of course the big goose egg stands in UB's 0-3 record, but those past three non-conference games mean nothing, when looking at the big picture.
However, what is important is what the Bulls have learned from those first three games, and what they can do tonight against conference foe Bowling Green (2-1).
In essence, UB could be sitting at 2-1 instead of this dismal 0-3. Buffalo lost by a combined five points in the losses to cross town rival Canisius and Big Ten player Penn State. The other loss was the debacle by the Bulls against Rutgers, 78-53.
"It's important for us to realize that our non-conference schedule is there to tune us up and get us ready for our conference schedule. We've got a great opportunity tonight," said head coach Reggie Witherspoon.
So why, exactly, are the Bulls 0-3 instead of 2-1? As this team is young, talented and, for once, healthy, one could easily point the finger at Witherspoon. But realistically, UB has been one big play away from winning.
For instance, versus Canisius, foul shooting handed the team a loss. Shooting 39 percent from the charity stripe isn't the coach's fault. The coach can draw up the plays and substitute the right players in the game, but he cannot shoot the ball for the player.
What the Bulls need to do is to get that one win. Right now UB needs a win to learn how to win; that feeling of winning needs to be there to set a precedent, and right now it just isn't there.
"I don't think we can get overly analytical about what it takes to win; we've got to first give a maximum effort for 40 minutes to see if that gives us a chance to win," said Witherspoon.
What's important about this game is that a win will put the Bulls to 1-0 in the MAC, which is more important than the loss to Canisius or the heartbreaker against Penn State.
This could be easier said than done, as Bowling Green has had Buffalo's number the last nine meetings. The Falcons have rolled to a 9-0 record against the Bulls. Last season, the Falcons flew past UB 75-59 at Anderson Arena.
This is also the second straight year that the two teams will hook up in an early conference meeting before entering the bulk of MAC play in January.
Bowling Green's Kevin Netter lit up Alumni Arena last season as he tallied 36 points in the blowout.
"Kevin Netter hurt us last year, we're going to have to contain him," said Witherspoon.
What also hurt Buffalo against the Falcons in their last match up was the bleak shooting percentage of the Bulls. Shooting 37 percent from the floor might work in high school, but not at the college level.
Buffalo is starting to establish an inside presence with Mark Bortz, B.J. Walker and Yassin Idbihi, but they will be tested by Cory Eyink.
Eyink is averaging seven boards a game, while Jon Reimold is averaging five a game. This time around for the Bulls they'll also have to deal with a rejuvenated Ronald Lewis, who is leading the Falcons in scoring with 18 points a game. This frontcourt will be troublesome for the Bulls.
"Their post players are very mobile, they move very well and step out and shoot it very well," said Witherspoon.
On the other side, Walker is Buffalo's leading rebounder and scorer with seven and 12 a game respectively; just behind him is point guard Turner Battle, with five and nine a game respectively. One thing that Witherspoon notes is one of the big keys to this game as well as their season is taking advantage of Bortz, Walker and Idbihi.
"We're going to have to get out on their shooters and take advantage inside," said Witherspoon.
Buffalo will have the slight advantage at the point position, as Battle is still looking for that breakout game he so desperately needs to spark this young Bulls squad.
For the Bulls not to squander any chance of winning tonight, they'll have to finish what they start, including taking a lead amongst other things. UB also needs to finish their possessions with points and not with turnovers, as they have been doing a lot in this young season.
"When we have opportunities around the basket we have got to take advantage of it," said Witherspoon. "We need to do that and we also need to make sure we don't turn the ball over when doing it."
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. tonight in the friendly confines of Alumni Arena.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
