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2018 MAC Basketball Preview: Bowling Green Falcons at Buffalo Bulls

The top two teams in the MAC East battle it out Friday night

NCAA Basketball: Buffalo at Syracuse Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bulls (19-7, 11-2 MAC) have a four game lead over the Bowling Green Falcons (16-10, 7-6 MAC) in the MAC East.

But Friday’s contest will be the first of two meetings between these schools in the next two weeks and, if the Falcons win both, the East could be in for a tight race. However, with just four games remaining after this one, if the Bulls win they will secure the top spot in the MAC East.


Game Detials

  • When: Friday, Feb. 16th, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Where: Alumni Arena - Buffalo, New York
  • Watch: ESPNU and the WatchESPN app

Players to Watch

Demajeo Wiggins, F, BGSU - Wiggins is closing in on a double-double for the year, averaging 13.8 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. In the last four matches he’s been on fire; snagging 47 rebounds and dropping 61 points in that span.

Justin Turner, G, BGSU - Turner is the Falcons’ leading scorer, averaging 15.4 points per game. He struggled against EMU, shooting just 1-14, but bounced back on Tuesday when he went 11-13 from the field and finished with 29 points.

Nick Perkins, F, Buffalo - Perkins is second on the team in both points per game (16.3) and rebounds (6.4) and has been one of their best shooters - converting on 47.7% of his shots. He’s scored 13+ points in each of the last 16 games for the Bulls.

CJ Massinburg, G, Buffalo - Massinburg is the team’s leader in scoring and rebounds - 17.3 points and 7.5 boards per game. However, he has struggled as of late, shooting just 5-17, including 0-6 from beyond the arc, in the past two games and totaling just 14 points. Look for him to try and bounce back here against a really solid Falcon defense.


Prediction

Even though the Falcons will be playing their hearts out, trying to cut into the Bulls four game lead, Buffalo should be able to pull away in the end and lock in first place in the East.

Massenburg and Perkins have kept the Bulls atop the MAC all season long and look for that to continue, with Jeremy Harris adding some much needed offense late as well.

Bowling Green Falcons - 73
Buffalo Bulls - 84