Iowa State Cyclones vs Buffalo Bulls Men's Basketball recap: Cyclones run away late

On the heels of a road game in one of the toughest environments in the country, UB traveled for another just over 48 hours later and five states away. Ultimately, runs from #2 Iowa State in the first and second halves overcame an otherwise excellent Buffalo defensive performance, and the Cyclones pulled away in the final ten minutes for a 84-63 win.

With Jarryn Skeete on the bench in the first half, the hosts reeled off a 15-0 run, and weathered a UB offensive spurt in the second to score 11 straight, opening a 58-46 lead with 8:30 to play. Skeete finished with 16 points, 11 in the first six minutes of the second half, but the positives today for Buffalo was a stout defense that held Iowa State without a bucket for six minutes late in the first and forced 6 turnovers in the first ten minutes of the second half.

Iowa State's Georges Niang led all players with 31 points and 12 rebounds, but on an uncharacteristic 4-6 shooting from outside, as Buffalo found improved post defense thanks to the return of Raheem Johnson. The Bulls continue to struggle in the half-court offense, totaling just 8 assists after only 14 combined in their previous two games against St. Bonaventure and Duke.

In addition to Skeete, Lamonte Bearden scored 11 and Nick Perkins quietly had a strong game, with 9 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes. UB only scored 22 points in the paint while shooting 9-12 from the line. The Bulls were noticeably without senior Rodell Wigginton, who played only 9 minutes.

The Bulls now get a few days off and a return home, as they'll host Binghamton Saturday afternoon at Alumni Arena.