By EVAN MEYER
The Buffalo Bulls erased the heartbreak of two close losses in previous Mid-American Conference Tournament Championship Games with an 89-84 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena.
Buffalo (22-9), a No. 2 seed, will be heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history and is riding an eight-game winning streak. The Bulls last loss was to CMU by one point back in mid-February.
“It was a tremendous college basketball game.” UB head coach Bobby Hurley said. “I am really proud of the accomplishment this team achieved. This team has so much heart and really came together.”
Seniors Xavier Ford and sophomore Shannon Evans had 18 points each as all five UB starters reached double figures. Freshman Lamonte Bearden had 14 and six assists. Junior Jarred Skeete scored 12, while junior Justin Moss had 10 points with 11 rebounds.
Central Michigan (22-8), the No. 1 seed and regular season MAC Champions, lost for the third time in their last five games as they played in the title game for the first time since 2003. The Chippewas will participate in the National Invitational Tournament, whose pairings are announced on Sunday night.
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