Miami RedHawks vs. Buffalo Bulls Basketball Final: Bulls avoid Miami comeback in conference opener

Led by 23 points from junior Justin Moss, Buffalo (10-3, 1-0 MAC) advanced past Miami (5-9, 0-1) in the MAC opener for both teams 79-72. Moss, the 6-foot-7 forward, would also post 12 rebounds.

Buffalo held a dominant 42-24 lead at half, and it looked as if the Bulls were going to run away with the contest. Miami, however, would emerge from the locker room with life, going on a 21-7 run. They eventually made the score 56-53 with a big 3-pointer by senior guard Will Sullivan. Miami kept the pressure on for the remainder of the game, but could not take the lead.

One player who made sure of this was Bulls senior Will Regan. The RedHawks were down 66-60 before Regan stepped up and nailed a shot from behind the arc to give the Bulls more breathing room. Then, with the Bulls leading only 69-67 with 2:08 remaining in the game, Regan hit another clutch 3-pointer, this time drawing a foul along with it. He would drain the free throw to complete the four point play. The RedHawks would get it within three but would trail off, eventually needing to foul to stop the clock. Buffalo took advantage of these late free throws and pulled away.

Miami shot a dismal 42 percent (8-19) from the charity stripe, while the Bulls were 25-32, good for 78 percent.

The top scorer for Miami was Sullivan, who had 21 points. Junior Willie Moore added 16, and junior Geovonie McKnight had 14. The top rebounder for the RedHawks was once again junior Eric Washington, who had 9.

The Bulls will next travel to Western Michigan on Saturday. Miami will play on Saturday too, hosting Eastern Michigan.