Sidelines

Idbihi among top in MAC

Men's basketball hasn't started its season yet, but junior forward Yassin Idbihi has already begun to collect pre-season acknowledgement in the Mid-American Conference.

Idbihi was named to the pre-season All-MAC East team, along with members of the Akron, Ohio and Kent State basketball teams. Idbihi is no foreigner to the team, having been named a part of it before last season as well. Last season, Idbihi led the Bulls in rebounding with 5.9, came in second for blocked shots with 21 and scored 9.9 a game for the fourth best on the team. During the 2005 MAC Tournament, the Moroccan native averaged 11.7 points and 6.5 rebounds, earning him a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

The All-MAC team is voted on by members of the MAC News Media Association.

Sanders snagging academic accolades

Athletes are typically recognized for the on-the-field accomplishments, but senior defensive lineman Aaron Sanders has been named a semifinalist for the 2005 Draddy Trophy. The trophy exemplifies a collegiate football player that encompasses academic success, gridiron excellence and community leadership, earning the trophy the nickname of the "Academic" Heisman.

Sanders not only leads the Bulls with 6.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks, but the management major tackles his classroom tasks and holds a 3.48 grade point average. Sanders, a former walk-on, is tied for 25th in the nation in tackles for a loss, 26th for sacks and is a UB Scholar-Athlete who has made his way to the UB Dean's list.