LEXINGTON, KY - The Buffalo Bulls had their sights set on one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history on Sunday afternoon and through 20 minutes, it looked like it might come true. The Bulls held a 38-33 lead at the half against No. 1-ranked Kentucky before the Wildcats moved ahead in the second half for a 71-52 win at Rupp Arena in front of a nearly sold out crowd of 22,175.
The Bulls got out to a quick start thanks to the shooting of junior Jarryn Skeete, who scored 14 of his 16 points in the opening half. Despite a noticeable size advantage, Kentucky was unable to grab more than a four-point advantage. Trailing 25-23 in the first half, the Bulls went on a 7-0 run, which was capped off on a thunderous dunk from junior Justin Moss over a Kentucky defender.
The Bulls got out to a quick start thanks to the shooting of junior Jarryn Skeete, who scored 14 of his 16 points in the opening half. Despite a noticeable size advantage, Kentucky was unable to grab more than a four-point advantage. Trailing 25-23 in the first half, the Bulls went on a 7-0 run, which was capped off on a thunderous dunk from junior Justin Moss over a Kentucky defender.
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Kentucky regained the lead 33-32 with 4:24 left, but the Bulls held UK off the scoreboard for the rest of the half and ended stanza on a 6-0 run, with the final three points coming from junior Rodell Wigginton.
Kentucky, however, came out in the second half and showed why they were given the number one ranking. They opened the second half on a 9-0 run to take a 42-38 lead.
Buffalo answered back with five quick points coming on a jumper from freshman Lamonte Bearden and three free throws from Wigginton.
UB continued to lead with 14:23 remaining following a jumper from Skeete, which put the Bulls ahead 45-43, but then Kentucky took control for the final 14 minutes, ending the game on a 28-7 run.
"I was really proud of my team and how we competed, particularly in the first half," said second-year head coach Bobby Hurley. "Obviously being able to have a halftime lead against this type of opponent was a big thing for us. Hopefully it is a confidence-building performance. (I’m) proud of winning the hustle game early in the first half with loose balls, charges, gritty play."
Skeete led all scorers with 16 points, shooting 4-of-6 from three point range. Wigginton added 15 points, doing most of his damage from the free throw line, where he was 9-for-11. Moss added eight points and six rebounds, while freshman Lamonte Bearden added eight points and three assists.
Defensively, the Bulls held all five Kentucky starters in single figures in scoring. Most of the Wildcats’ damage came from the bench, led by 12 points from Tyler Ulis and Trey Lyles.
The Bulls will remain on the road Tuesday night as they head to Texas-Arlington for an 8:00 pm (ET) tipoff.
(Courtesy of Buffalo Athletics/MRO Edit)
Kentucky, however, came out in the second half and showed why they were given the number one ranking. They opened the second half on a 9-0 run to take a 42-38 lead.
Buffalo answered back with five quick points coming on a jumper from freshman Lamonte Bearden and three free throws from Wigginton.
UB continued to lead with 14:23 remaining following a jumper from Skeete, which put the Bulls ahead 45-43, but then Kentucky took control for the final 14 minutes, ending the game on a 28-7 run.
"I was really proud of my team and how we competed, particularly in the first half," said second-year head coach Bobby Hurley. "Obviously being able to have a halftime lead against this type of opponent was a big thing for us. Hopefully it is a confidence-building performance. (I’m) proud of winning the hustle game early in the first half with loose balls, charges, gritty play."
Skeete led all scorers with 16 points, shooting 4-of-6 from three point range. Wigginton added 15 points, doing most of his damage from the free throw line, where he was 9-for-11. Moss added eight points and six rebounds, while freshman Lamonte Bearden added eight points and three assists.
Defensively, the Bulls held all five Kentucky starters in single figures in scoring. Most of the Wildcats’ damage came from the bench, led by 12 points from Tyler Ulis and Trey Lyles.
The Bulls will remain on the road Tuesday night as they head to Texas-Arlington for an 8:00 pm (ET) tipoff.
(Courtesy of Buffalo Athletics/MRO Edit)
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