The Buffalo Bulls were flying high on a three-game win streak entering their last encounter with the Eastern Michigan Eagles on Feb. 4, but soon crashed in a 77-66 letdown to the Eagles at Alumni Arena.
It was a disappointing loss for the Bulls, but they have the opportunity for redemption tonight in Ypsilanti, Mich. at EMU's Convocation Center.
"They have wounded us, but a wounded animal can be dangerous," said UB's head coach Reggie Witherspoon.
This game can be considered a must-win for UB (10-11, 6-7 MAC), who find themselves in the midst of an intense race for a first round MAC playoff game.
As Witherspoon put it, at 6-7 in the conference, the Bulls are "right in the thick of a MAC race," something they have certainly longed for.
This game marks a pivotal point in the season for UB. Ball State lost to Miami, meaning a win against EMU could push the Bulls even further up the MAC standings, making them close contenders for the third spot, and even closer to grabbing a first-round home playoff game.
Coming off of their own three-game winning streak, the Eagles will be poised and confident, and it will be vital for Buffalo to pick up rebounds against the Eagles in order to succeed.
"We have to rebound the ball first," said Witherspoon. "They out-rebounded us and we haven't been out rebounded a lot lately, but (Eastern Michigan) did it."
The Bulls' size advantage might have given them an edge in the rebounding department, because with both Mark Bortz and Yassin Idbihi in the lineup, Buffalo has dominated most of their opponents down low recently.
Idbihi injured his ankle in practice on Tuesday however, and may not be able to play on tonight.
Witherspoon made it clear that staying composed, and being very patient with the ball is also imperative for a successful game against EMU.
Buffalo should be ready to be pressured, as full court and half court presses by EMU are sure to keep the Bulls busy on the offensive end. However, in practice Witherspoon spent time breaking the press, which should make it interesting for the Eagles' defense.
At their last meeting, UB jumped ahead early on in the game, but were unable to keep the lead, allowing Eastern Michigan to gain control and set the pace of the game.
Four Eagles scored in double digits, led by junior forward Markus Austin, who dropped 19.
Free throws are another aspect that need to be improved upon. The Bulls shot just 10 of 24 from the line in the last match up, and Bortz was just 3 of 12 himself.
"If we shoot free throws well, we've got a chance," said Witherspoon.
The game tips off at 7 p.m. tonight in Eastern Michigan.
