Buffalo's road woes continued Wednesday night at the Convocation Center, where Ohio University (4-10, 1-3 Mid-American Conference) handed the Bulls (5-8, 1-4 MAC) their 18th consecutive conference loss away from home by a score of 90-76, extending UB's season losing streak to five games.
The Bulls entered halftime with a nine-point cushion, and with 11:30 remaining in the second half, the lead swelled to 14 points. However, with just nine players in uniform, a conservative style defense became more and more evident due to the team's foul troubles. A 12-0 Bobcat run ensued, cutting UB's lead to two and ultimately leading to OU domination under the basket.
"We knew that they shot the ball well, but they really hurt us in the low post," said Witherspoon. "They did a great job of not giving up."
The Bulls were outscored 40-20 in the paint and were out rebounded 35-29, all equating to a 59-point second half explosion by Ohio. Senior guard Jaivon Harris, who had 25 points, including six three-pointers, led the Bobcats. Also, forward Delvar Barrett took advantage of Buffalo's foul concerns, notching 14 of his 15 points in the final 15 minutes.
The Bulls were led by junior guard Daniel Gilbert, who had 16 points, followed by Mario Jordan and Turner Battle, who each had 14.
Sophomore guard Roderick Middleton earned his first start of the season, after Monday's announcement that three players were dismissed for the remainder of the season. Two players were dismissed due to academic ineligibility (Parnell Smith and Marcus Henderson) and one player was dismissed due to conduct deemed detrimental to the team (Jason Walcott).
Up next for the Bulls is a Saturday visit to Marshall University, the site of their last road MAC win, which took place on Jan. 19 , 2002. With 13 conference games left to be played, the Bulls will try to, in Witherspoon's words, "do some things to heal their wounds."
Buffalo's five-game losing streak is the third streak of wins or losses they have had this season. They started the season 0-3, jumped to 5-3 and now sit at 5-8.
The team was unavailable for comment because of their traveling schedule.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
