Buffalo Bulls Men’s Basketball Game Preview: Delaware Blue Hens

The Buffalo Bulls are back in action tomorrow night in Delaware as the Bulls take on the Blue Hens. Delaware is coming in to this game 4-4 while Buffalo is sitting at a quality 5-3. IN UB’s last game, the Bulls seemed to struggle to get things rolling, and still managed to push a very good Bonaventure team until the very end. The team showed that they have a high ceiling but is still capable of poor performances. They have an easier task on the road tomorrow but nothing is given.

The Blue Hens come in to this game ranked #227 and on a two game losing streak. They are fairly average on offense and defense, and like to play a very slow paced game. That should be something the Bulls can take advantage of as Buffalo loves to push the tempo. If the Bulls can dictate the pace of the game, I think they can run UD out of their own gym.

As far as size goes, the Blue Hens are not that big. They sometimes feature a line up with a 6’5 Ryan Daly at center, which should mean a big game from Nick Perkins inside. I don’t think the Bulls injuries to Ikenna Smart and Brock Bertram will hurt them too much in this game, which has seemed to create issues in the past couple games. Let’s take a look at a few other key things to watch in this game.

What to Watch For

Will Jeremy Harris have a bounce back game

Jeremy Harris had seemed to be balling out recently, before hitting a snag against the Bonnies. Can he get back to scoring like he was against Niagara and help insert himself as one of the big three scorers featuring Perkins and Massinburg. I expect a big game from him, and getting himself some confidence moving forward. I’d also like to see a bounce back game from Davonta Jordan.

Which freshman steps up

Jayvon Graves and James Reese have had slow starts so far on their freshman campaigns. While still both trying to find their confidence behind the arc, they also have to adjust to the size of D1 basketball. Graves has had issues getting blocked and inside, which I attest to not being used to being a smaller player. I am not even close to hitting the panic button on either of these guys, but I hope they use these next two games to work on finding the rhythm of big time basketball.

Fouls

The Bulls having injuries and lack of depth may be a positive at this point in the season. UB will have to adjust to not having a lot of guys by staying out of foul trouble. They’ve done a great job staying diligent this season besides last game, and I think that this will go a long way. If the Bulls can learn to stay out of foul trouble with a short bench, I think they will benefit during MAC play.

Final Thoughts

I think the Bulls will have a productive road trip and come out of here with a win. Delaware is not that good of a team and I’d love to see a similar result in this one to Niagara. They follow it up with a non D1 game and then a bad Robert Morris team before the big one: Cuse. I’d love to see a 3 game winning streak and a team playing well going in to the toughest stretch of the season. If they get the offense rolling, I don’t think they will be stopped for a few games, and that’s exciting. I hope everyone enjoys the game and as always, Go Bulls!