The old adage that "practice makes perfect" applies to most everything in life, but the men's collegiate basketball team may be the exception to the rule.
Buffalo has played five games away from Alumni Arena, winning only one of them. But because this win came in a tournament, Buffalo was considered a home team and the streak of 13 straight road losses dating back to November of 2006 continues.
Wednesday night, Buffalo (5-4) lost to Florida International (3-3) in the first ever match-up between these two squads. This was the Golden Panthers' first victory over a Division IA opponent this season.
The first half was a seesaw battle consisting of seven ties and eight lead changes, however Florida International pulled away late recording the 76-63 victory. Bulls head coach Reggie Witherspoon blamed a portion of the loss on Buffalo's poor execution.
"We had point blank lay-ups in the first and second half, and we didn't convert," Witherspoon said.
In Buffalo's previous game, the Bulls shot just under 60 percent from the field, however, the Bulls may have been forced to leave their shooting stroke at baggage claim, as they shot just over 36 percent from the field and under 32 percent from three point range. Meanwhile, the Golden Panthers made an impressive 58.1 percent of their field goals. The Bulls struggled more than anything with their free throw shooting, making only 11-24 attempts from the line.
"We had a total breakdown in concentration; it's a mental thing right now that we are going through, and it's painful," Witherspoon said. "It isn't a physical thing, we don't have to change what we're doing physically, it isn't any of that. It is a total lack of concentration and confidence on the road."
In first half action, Buffalo was able to stay strong, going into halftime down only 32-29. In the second half, they came out scoring, as well getting the first two buckets after a steal that lead to the breakaway dunk by junior guard Andy Robinson. With just over 11 minutes remaining, a steal and lay-up by sophomore guard Byron Mulkey cut the lead down to two. After another run by the Golden Panthers, senior forward Andrew Atman hit a three-pointer to bring the Bulls within one with 6:21 remaining.
This was as close as Buffalo came to overtaking the Golden Panthers, as Florida International ended the game on a 22-10 run. The win snapped both team's streaks at three, as coming into the game Florida International lost three in a row, and Buffalo had won three in a row.
Mulkey scored a season-high 10 points for the Bulls, however, he was in-and-out of the line up after catching an elbow above his left eye that required him to receive stitches. Junior forward Greg Gamble recorded four of Buffalo's nine steals and had nine points on the night. Atman knocked down eight as well, including two three-pointers, which kept Buffalo in the game during the second half.
Florida International's leaders were Kenneth White with 19 points, and Erick Nsangou who had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bulls returned home Thursday morning and do not have another match until Dec. 21, when they will face Wyoming in the opening round of the State Farm Classic in El Paso, TX.
"We've got to get some things straightened out," Witherspoon said. "This long break might give them a chance to see which direction they are heading for the remainder of the season."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
