/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63288687/usa_today_12397940.0.jpg)
The Buffalo Bulls went into the first round as favorites, a program first for the NCAA tournament. This Sunday their opponents - the Texas Tech Red Raiders - are favored to win the game.
So if the Bulls want to make the sweet 16 for the first time in program history they will have to win as underdogs.
And to do that Nate Oats will have to do something few others have managed this season.
Figure out Texas Techs defense...
The Red Raiders are 4th in scoring defense and 2nd in opponents field goal percentage. By KenPom numbers they are the most efficient defense in the country.
Though keyed by their defense the Red Raiders do have a trio of very athletic guards that are a big scoring thread.
Jarrett Culver was the Big 12 Player of the Year and scored 29 points in the teams first round win over Northern Iowa. He also added 8 rebounds, 7 assists, a block and a steal.
Tech forward Tariq Owens added 12 points and five blocks, Davide Moretti recorded 10 points and two assists. Finally Matt Mooney had 9 points, 8 assists and 5 steals.
If the Bulls win the men will at least get to hang a sweet 16 banner up, next to the one the women earned last season.