Buffalo Bulls
Mid-American (31-3, 16-2)
Buffalo made a bit of a splash in last year’s NCAA Tournament when they beat Arizona as a 13 seed. With quite a bit of that talent returning, the expectations were high for the Bulls heading into this season. But few expected them to go 31-3 with wins over teams like West Virginia and Syracuse.
Big Wins: 12/1 vs San Francisco (85-81), 12/18 at Syracuse (71-59), 2/16 at Toledo (88-82)
Bad Losses: 12/21 at Marquette (85-103), 1/22 at Northern Illinois (75-77), 2/2 at Bowling Green (88-92)
Coach: Nate Oats
Why They Can Surprise:
This is a Buffalo team that can score a lot of points. They share the ball well and rarely commit turnovers. That efficient offense can keep Buffalo close against any team in the country. CJ Massinburg is the star of the team, averaging 18.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He shoots an impressive 39.6 percent from beyond the arc and when his shots are falling, Buffalo will score a ton of points. Jeremy Harris and Jayvon Graves are not as consistent shooting the ball, but they are also good perimeter shooting threats. Nick Perkins will usually start on the bench, but he is the team’s top interior scoring threat and rebounder.
Why They Can Disappoint:
Buffalo tested themselves relatively well during non-conference play and the Mid-American Conference was pretty tough this season compared to years past, but it is still a question whether or not this group will be ready to take on top teams and win a couple games in the NCAA Tournament. But if they shoot well from everywhere on the floor, this is a Buffalo squad that can reach the Sweet Sixteen.
Probable Starters:
CJ Massinburg, Senior, Guard, 18.3 ppg, 3.0 apg, 6.6 rpg
Davonta Jordan, Junior, Guard, 7.3 ppg, 3.6 appg, 1.5 spg
Jayvon Graves, Sophomore, Guard, 9.9 ppg, 1.9 apg
Jeremy Harris, Senior, Guard, 14.0 ppg, 2.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg
Montell McRae, Senior, Forward, 5.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Key Role Players:
Nick Perkins, Senior, Forward, 14.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg
Dontay Caruthers, Senior, Guard, 8.8 ppg, 2.9 apg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 85.0 (5th in nation, 1st in conference)
Scoring Defense: 70.9 (170, 5)
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.3 (71, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 42.2 (90, 5)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 9.6 (28, 2)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 34.0 (204, 5)
Free-Throw Percentage: 69.2 (221, 8)
Rebound Margin: 3.6 (69, 3)
Assists Per Game: 17.2 (11, 1)
Turnovers Per Game: 12.1 (87, 3)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
| 2018 | NCAA | Round of 64 win over Arizona |
| 2018 | NCAA | Round of 32 loss to Kentucky |
| 2016 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Miami (FL) |
| 2015 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to West Virginia |
| 2012 | CIT | First Round win over American |
| 2012 | CIT | Second Round loss to Oakland |
| 2011 | CIT | First Round win over Quinnipiac |
| 2011 | CIT | Second Round win over Western Michigan |
| 2011 | CIT | Quarterfinal loss to Iona |
| 2009 | CBI | First Round loss to Wichita State |
| 2005 | NIT | Opening Round win over Drexel |
| 2005 | NIT | First Round loss to St. Joseph's |
*all team stats through 3/10
