:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23339465/ubbb1.0.jpg)
It tok a home game against a division II school but UB coach Bobby Hurly finally got that first career win out of the way. West Virginia Wesleyan was the cupcake that helped put five Buffalo players into double figures including a game-high 19 points and 14 rebounds from Javon McCrea.
The Bulls started slow and as a esult were not able to really pull away until late i n the first half. The Bobcats scored the first four points of the game before the Bulls got their offense going. At one point in the first half Wesleyan led 20-16.
Buffalo finally came up to form and went on a powerful 18-2 run, going up 34-22. They added a few more before the half and led 40-27 lead into the break.
The Bulls new style was on display UB continued to be the aggressors in the second half, as senior Joshua Freelove converted on an alley-oop off a pass from Jarryn Skeete just seven seconds into the half. The Bobcats got no closer than 10 as the Bulls went on a 14-2 run during a two and a half minute stretch where McCrea had five points and Ford broke away for another dunk. The Bulls built their largest lead of the game at 79-56 with a driving layup from Justin Moss.
Javon McCrea followed up his 31-point, 14-rebound night against Niagara with another 19 points and 14 rebounds to lead the way. He also added a block and two steals. Ford finished with 14 points off the bench, just two points shy of his career high.
Three other starters finished in double figures as Freelove had 13 points, while junior Will Regan finished with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting in just 16 minutes due to foul trouble. Senior Jarod Oldham had his best day of the young season, scoring 13 points on 4-of-4 shooting, while adding a game-high six assists as well as a career-best three blocked shots. He also added three steals on the defensive end.
UB, which finished with a season-high 14 assists, got four dimes from Evans, who added four points and a rebound. Moss added five points and Skeete finished with three points and two assists.
The Bobcats finished with three players in double figures led by 14 from Brett Ervin.
The problem that UB may have as this season goes on is their defense. Giving up double figures to three players from a division II school especially right after letting the Perps put up more than 91 points. As the season goes on UB will put up a lot of exciting highlights on the offensive side of the court but their defense may generate a lot of groans.