:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48487791/usa-today-9013214.0.jpg)
Non-conference play has finally ended and the Buffalo Bulls enter the MAC with a 7-6 record. It's been a roller coaster this year and quite a struggle to watch at times, but Buffalo is coming off of their best effort of the season after defeating the Delaware Blue Hens in a dominating fashion. UB is opening MAC play against a very tough Akron team that many are calling the favorites to win the conference this year.
Quick Facts
Opponent: Akron
Head Coach: Keith Dambrot (371-193, 10th year with Delaware)
Date/Time: 1/5/16, 7:00 PM
Home/Away: Home
Opponent's Mascot: a Zip, whatever that is
Current Record: 11-2
2014-15 Season Record: 21-14 (9-9 MAC)
Postseason: Did not receive/accept postseason bid
All-Time Series: Akron leads 28-25
Opponent's Roster and Stats
| Player | Position | Height | MIN | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | FT% | 3P% |
| Noah Robotham | G | 6'1" | 31 | 11.9 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 0.453 | 0.895 | 0.545 |
| Pat Forsythe | C | 6'11" | 21.9 | 11.8 | 6.9 | 0.8 | 0.505 | 0.688 | 0 |
| Isaiah Johnson | C | 6'10" | 24.8 | 11.5 | 8 | 1.5 | 0.589 | 0.587 | 0 |
| Antino Jackson | G | 5'11" | 30.1 | 11.5 | 3.2 | 4.4 | 0.34 | 0.8 | 0.352 |
| Reggie McAdams | F | 6'7" | 25.8 | 9.5 | 3.7 | 1 | 0.427 | 0.667 | 0.427 |
| Jake Kretzer | F | 6'7" | 24.3 | 9.5 | 4.3 | 1.5 | 0.481 | 0.917 | 0.475 |
| Kwan Cheatham Jr. | F | 6'9" | 22.2 | 7.5 | 5 | 1.8 | 0.337 | 0.6 | 0.289 |
| Josh Williams | G | 6'2" | 17.8 | 5.5 | 2.7 | 1 | 0.343 | 0.714 | 0.353 |
| Aaron Jackson | G | 6'4" | 11.9 | 4.7 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.576 | 0.714 | 0.471 |
| Jimond Ivey | G | 6'4" | 11.5 | 3.1 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 0.289 | 0.769 | 0.125 |
| Totals | -- | 77 | 42 | 15 | 0.426 | 0.69 | 0.388 |
Akron is going to be a tough matchup for Buffalo. They definitely have size on their end with Pat Forsythe and Isaiah Johnson. Hopefully we have Raheem Johnson back for this game to help out that area. I'd rather we not play Nick Perkins at Center in this game. Akron is very balanced on the scoring load, so shutting down one player isn't a tactic that's going to work. Forsythe is easily one of the best players in the MAC and could cause huge problems for Ikenna Smart down low.
Notable Opponents
- Won against Arkansas
- Lost to #11 Villanova
- Won against Cleveland State (Many MAC teams have faced them)
Can We Win?
I'd say UB has about a 25-30% chance of pulling this one out. Akron looks like the favorite but besides Arkansas and Villanova, they haven't played anyone else of note. The win is possible here and it would be a very solid win. Don't get your hopes up though and expect to be 0-1 in MAC play after this one.