Both teams started off quick, but Western Michigan went on a run, taking a 33-22 lead with 6:47 left in the first half. UB responded with seven straight, though, as a three pointer from Harris pulled the Bulls back within 33-29. In all, it was a 19-4 run by the Bulls as another triple from Harris gave the Bulls a 41-37 lead. Buffalo took a four-point lead into the break as senior CJ Massinburg beat the buzzer with a dunk, giving the visitors a 43-39 halftime lead.
UB opened up an eight point lead early in the second half, but Western Michigan came back, tying the score up at 62-62 with 11:47 left.
The Bulls responded with a three-point play from senior Dontay Caruthers and, with UB leading 69-68, the Bulls hit two huge shots. The first was a three from senior Nick Perkins and the second a triple by freshman Ronaldo Segu, giving Buffalo the 75-68 lead. The Bulls then increased their lead to a game-high nine points with 7:26 remaining.
The Broncos wouldn't go away and pulled back within two with 5:46 left, but the Bulls allowed just two points over the final 5:46, closing the game out on an 11-2 run.
"We clearly didn't play our best basketball tonight, but I thought we responded well to some adversity on the road and made big plays when we needed them," said head coach Nate Oats. "I thought both Jeenathan and Rondo gave us good minutes and we needed those contributions from everyone this evening."
Harris led all scorers with 22 points, while also pulling in 11 rebounds. Perkins netted 14 points, while Massinburg finished with 13 and Caruthers had 11.
Sophomore Jayvon Graves added nine points and senior Montell McRae had eight.
All nine players who saw action had at least three points, including freshman Jeenathan Williams, who had four points and a pair of offensive rebounds.
The Bulls were able to close the game out from the free throw line, where they went 17-of-20 for the game, including 13-of-15 in the second half.
(Courtesy of UB Athletics)