Bulls turn aside Central Michigan, move to 10-1 in conference play.

They led about the entire game, they had a huge lead in the second half, they got into foul trouble, then things got tight. If this seems like deja vu to you, then you’re not alone.

UB got out to a hot start, hitting their first 7 shots and building a 20-8 lead. The Bulls shooting cooled down but the defense took charge the rest of the first half, holding the Chips to 29 first point half, and bringing the Bulls into the second half with an 8 point lead.

They would come out defensively strong in the second as well. While both teams struggled to shoot the ball, Central kept pace early in the half. Then Jeremy Harris made back-to-back 3-pointers and CJ Massinburg converted a 4-point to give the Bulls their largest lead of the game 72-54.

Then the fouls started to work against Buffalo. Central Michigan was in the bonus half way through the second half, at a point when the Chips were only charged with a single foul. That, and a hot streak helped CMU work their way back into the game.

Josh Kozinski draind a three point shot with under four mintes left that brought CMU to within 8 points. Four consecutive free throws then brought them to within six points in the last minute of play.

The Bulls were able to play solid from the line as CMU tried to foul their way back in. UB seald their wins on free throws from Clark and Massinburg.

UB is now 10-1 in conference play, Toledo held on against NIU so the Rockets continue to keep pace one game behind the Bulls. Behind UB and Toledo is a mass of six teams who are either 6-5 or 5-6.

The Bulls have one more road game on their current swing before heading back to Amherst. Buffalo plays in Dekalb on Saturday, then four of their next five games are at home.