Buffalo (1-2, 0-0 MAC) defeated the Penn State Schuylkill Nittany Lions (0-1) decisively in a 107-65 victory on Monday night, off the back of senior guard Drew Steffe’s triple-double performance.
The Bulls earned a reassuring win after a slow start to the season, losing their first two regular-season games against Marshall and Pittsburgh on the road. Buffalo had a strong offensive showing despite continuing to struggle from 3-point range (7-36 on the night), posting over 40 points in both halves for the first time this season.
Coach George Halcovage III addressed the perimeter struggles postgame, saying, “It doesn’t have to always be a three.”
“We got to shoot the right ones when we’re open,” Halcovage said.
While the Nittany Lions initially fought to stay within striking distance in the first, the Bulls were able to obtain a 20-point lead by around the four-minute mark of the half. They never looked back from there, ending the period up 27 points and finishing with a 42 point difference.
Steffe controlled the game from the tip, ending the game with
18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to finish with a triple-double. Steffe has been the most consistent source of offense for Buffalo, averaging an efficient 17.3 points per game on
57% shooting from the floor.
Buffalo’s defensive pressure has been strong so far this season, forcing double-digit turnovers in all 3 games played this season. The Bulls were able to capitalize off of their efforts tonight with 32 points scored off of the turnovers they could come up with.
“Our goal tonight was to really pressure them,” Halcovage said. “I thought we did that against Pitt… and that really was why we were in the game the way we were and had a lead, because we had great ball pressure.”
The Bulls extend their home stand Sunday afternoon, taking on the Canisius Golden Griffins (1-2, 0-0 MAAC) at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.
