Buffalo defeats W Michigan 71-88
Buffalo Edges W Michigan in Conference Showdown
The Buffalo Bulls (AWAY) got the better of the Western Michigan Broncos (HOME) 88-71 in a closely contested conference matchup at University Arena on Saturday night.
W Michigan's home court advantage was put to the test as Buffalo came out strong, leading 41-28 at halftime. The away team's balanced attack and efficient shooting propelled them to a commanding lead, which they never relinquished.
Daniel Freitag led Buffalo in scoring with 20 points, while Tim Oboh chipped in 15 points and 13 rebounds. Freitag also dished out six assists, helping the Bulls' offense click on all cylinders.
For W Michigan, Jalen Griffith scored 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Jayden Brewer added 12 points and seven rebounds, while EJ Ryans contributed six assists.
The difference in field goal percentage was stark, with Buffalo shooting 49% to W Michigan's 39%. The Broncos struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 10 of 33 three-point attempts (30.0%).
Despite their best efforts, W Michigan could not contain Buffalo's balanced attack. The Bulls' ability to score efficiently in the paint and on fast breaks proved too much for the Broncos to handle.
In the end, Buffalo emerged victorious, improving their chances in the conference standings. The win was a welcome one for the Bulls, who had been struggling in recent games.
Advanced Statistics
Buffalo's efficient shooting and strong rebounding effort were key factors in their victory. The team's eFG% (59.3%) and FT Rate (40.7%) were significant contributors to their success. On the other hand, W Michigan struggled with turnovers, committing seven against Buffalo's four.
The Broncos' OREB% (34.3%) was a notable statistic, but it ultimately wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The team's True Shooting% (49.8%) also showed signs of improvement, but not enough to change the outcome.
Context
This matchup marked the latest in a series of conference showdowns for both teams. The win puts Buffalo in a strong position in the standings, while W Michigan looks to regroup and refocus ahead of their next challenge.