Missed opportunities, inopportune turnovers, and poor calls against Buffalo are reasons why the men's basketball team is still winless in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play this season.
The Bulls (6-13, 0-7 MAC) led for most of the second half, but faltered down the stretch and had to play two overtimes. Western Michigan (11-9, 5-2 MAC) was too tough in the second overtime, and defeated Buffalo 100-90 Tuesday night at Alumni Arena.
"It was a fairly even game throughout most of the game," said Buffalo head coach Reggie Witherspoon. "Both teams fought really hard and I have to give credit to Western Michigan for pulling it out at the end."
Witherspoon decided to change up the starting lineup by putting in junior forward Brian Addison in place of senior forward Andrew Atman, as well as sophomore guard Byron Mulkey in the stead of sophomore guard Rodney Pierce.
The start of the game was sloppy for both teams. Western Michigan did not make a basket until two and a half minutes into the game. It took Buffalo until the 15:33 mark to get on the board, missing their first nine shots.
Buffalo trailed by six points with 13:20 to go in the first, but after a lay-up by sophomore forward Max Boudreau and two consecutive three pointers by sophomore guard Rodney Pierce, Buffalo took a two-point lead.
It was a relatively close game the remainder of the first half. The Bulls were able to take a three-point lead with 2:18 to go in the half after sophomore guard Sean Smiley connected on two free throws after the Western Michigan bench was called for a technical foul.
The Broncos held the Bulls to only four more points the rest of the half. A jumper by Western Michigan's Shawntes Gary with seven seconds left tied the game at 30 heading into halftime.
The Bulls shot only 26 percent in the first half, while the Broncos were 41 percent from the field.
During the beginning of the second half, the game was still even. A slam-dunk by Boudreaux helped give the Bulls some energy and a 44-40 lead. Buffalo would go on a 12-7 run to extend the score to 56-47,their largest lead of the game with 10:24 to go.
Things were looking good for Buffalo with 4:04 left and leading 70-62, yet the Bulls managed to score only four more points through the rest of regulation, and let Western Michigan back in the game, led by David Kool and Joe Reitz.
A three pointer by Kool and then a lay-up plus a foul shot by Reitz got the Broncos within two points with 2:50 to go. A lay-up by Boudreaux pushed the lead back to four points with 42 seconds left. Reitz was dominant inside and scored a lay-up to get Western Michigan within two points.
With 25 seconds left, there was a controversial call. Andy Robinson lost the ball, but then looked to get it back, yet the referees called a jump ball, with Western Michigan gaining possession.
"I thought I did a real good job sticking through," Robinson said. "The call baffled me...but in those situations, you have to be a lot stronger and show good poise."
Kool came down the other way and drew a foul on Betts, sinking both of his free throws to tie the game.
Pierce had a shot to win it for the Bulls at the end of regulation, but his jumper with four seconds hit the rim and fell out.
"I looked at coach and he called push. I tried to get a lay-up, but I was cut-off and settled for the jumper. But I missed it," Pierce said.
Buffalo started out the first overtime with a three-pointer from sophomore guard Calvin Betts, yet the Broncos responded with a three from Kool. After being down by two points, Robinson hit two free throws to even the score at 82. Kool hit two more free throws, but Robinson answered right back with a lay-up with 46 seconds left. Both teams had a chance to win it, but neither team hit their shot, forcing a second overtime.
Western Michigan was red-hot in the second overtime. Andre Ricks started the scoring off with a three. Two free throws by Reitz gave the Broncos a seven-point lead that was too much for the Bulls to overcome.
"I think experience helps, but I don't think we can pin it on that," Witherspoon said. "To have all these guys put it out there like that is very encouraging. Some of these guys are just sophomores and if you add up their total number of games, it probably comes out to them still being freshman."
Pierce, who finished with 23 points on 7-16 shooting, led Buffalo. Robinson scored 22 points and grabbed down six rebounds. Gamble had 17 points and five rebounds. Boudreaux contributed with 11 points, three rebounds, and three blocks.
Kool scored 35 for the Broncos, hitting all 14 of his free throws. Reitz chipped in with 29 points on 8-12 shooting and nine rebounds.
"At our next practice, I am going to tell the team today is another opportunity for us to get better," Witherspoon said. "If we keep getting better, this will all take care of itself. We are not too far away and if we keep at it and stay determined to get better, we will get better."
The Bulls will be back in action on Saturday, Feb. 2 when they travel to Central Michigan. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
