Buffalo Bulls Men’s Basketball Game Preview: Akron Zips

The Buffalo Bulls are back in action tonight, as they come to Alumni Arena for the last time this season! The Bulls will be honoring their three seniors, as well as celebrating what a good season that UB had at home (between the Men and Women the Bulls are 24-1 at home). Besides, being just senior night, the Bulls can win the MAC outright with a win against the Akron Zips, as well as clinch an NIT bid at worst. In order for this all to happen however, Buffalo will need to make sure they don’t look past Akron.

Akron has had it’s struggles this year, and some were not basketball related. Emmanual Olojakpoke had open heart surgery, which limited the Akron big men. Other injuries caused the Zips to have to go with Daniel Utomi at center, who is just 6’6. The Bulls should be able to exploit the Zips inside, as well as with their pace.

As for the Bulls side, they will need to attack the rim like they did against Ohio. After a shaky start, Buffalo began to set the pace and style of play, by driving instead of shooting threes. If UB is able to keep up that style of play, they should be celebrating a MAC regular season title. Let’s take a look at a few things to watch for.

What to Watch For

Nick Perkins

Perkins should have a monster game if he stays out of foul trouble, something he has been doing well at this season. Utomi is not very big inside, and Perkins strength is too much for the Akron bigs. Last time these teams played, Olojakpoke played, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Bulls game plan their inside attack.

Wes Clark

Senior night is a big night, where players often try and show out for the fans one last time. Clark is by far the flashiest senior, and I think that will be reflected in his game tonight. I expect him to be aggressive early, and make some high light plays against the inexperienced Akron team.

Atmosphere

Student attendance struggled on Saturday, presumably due to the time of game and tests starting to arise. This is the last chance for the Bulls to play at home this season, so hopefully the general public, and students come out and witness one of the best Bulls teams in the history of UB. Senior night should be a celebration, and hopefully the players have their chance to treat it like one.

Final Thoughts

Nobody dislikes Akron as much as me, so I would love to see the Bulls run them out of the gym. I presume that you will see all three seniors start tomorrow, including walk on Gabe Agorioge. This is the type of game that Buffalo should not struggle with, especially given all that’s on the line and the time of year. If the same team plays that played against Ohio, this should be as fun a game to watch as there has been all year. As long as the focus is there, Buffalo will win this game, and the seniors will leave Alumni Arena knowing that they achieved a wonderful regular season in that gym. If you’re coming to the game, enjoy and celebrate, and don’t forget to bring a canned food item for the True Blue food drive, and go Bulls!