After gaining attention across the nation, the men's basketball team entered Eastern Michigan in a situation where the Eagles could spoil Buffalo's winning ways.
Buffalo's defense wouldn't let that happen.
On Thursday, the Bulls (17-5, 9-1 Mid-American Conference) smothered the Eastern Michigan Eagles (3-21, 1-9 MAC), 58-49, padding their lead in the MAC by two games. Buffalo's current nine-game winning streak is the longest since the 2005-06 season.
"I think we were in control of the game, but we got a little anxious at times," head coach Reggie Witherspoon said. "I think our guys were in too much of a hurry to make the 14-1 lead a 28-1 lead."
The Bulls came ready to play, dominating the court for the first three minutes of the contest. A 3-pointer by junior guard Calvin Betts sparked a 10-0 run for the Bulls that was finally broken at 16:38 after Eastern Michigan's Brandon Bowdry split a free throw.
Buffalo continued to smother Eastern Michigan throughout the first half thanks to play from junior guard Rodney Pierce. Pierce, who led the Bulls with 16 points, was 6 of 10 in shooting for the Bulls. He also added five rebounds and three assists.
Buffalo's defense was the true savior on the night. For the third time in four games, the Bulls held their opponent below 50 points. It is the first time since the introduction of the shot clock that the Bulls have held three opponents below 50 points in the same season.
On the stat sheet, the Bulls looked like they had control of the game. To Witherspoon, that wasn't the case. While Buffalo dominated throughout the game, the Eagles caused 14 turnovers, which wasn't something Witherspoon was happy with.
"They got some things on us," Witherspoon said. "They put pressure on us. We got to get better at some things."
In response, the Bulls dominated the Eagles in rebounds, outrebounding Eastern Michigan, 35-26. In doing so, the Bulls held Eastern Michigan to a mere six offensive rebounds, which resulted in only seven second-chance points. Senior guard Greg Gamble was a major factor in this, contributing eight rebounds in addition to eight points and three assists.
As the game neared its end, the Eagles began to creep back. With 13:21 left in the game, the Eagles cut Buffalo's lead to four after Zane Gay made it a 39-35 contest. The Eagles threatened again with 2:34 left, cutting the lead to 52-46. Pierce and Gamble responded, holding the Eagles to three points for the remainder of the game.
With the win, senior guard Andy Robinson has moved into third place in school history in steals with 174. Robinson had three steals in addition to nine points.
The Bulls are off until Sunday, when they play Ball State in a game some are eyeing as a MAC Championship preview. The Cardinals are currently in first place in the West Division.
"I know they beat us last year and I know they play hard," Witherspoon said. "They play everyone very tough."
Sunday's clash of the titans will begin at 2 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
