Bulls outlast UAB Blazers in 96-91 overtime win at Cayman Islands Classic

The Buffalo Bulls won a back-and-forth, 96-91, overtime affair with the UAB Blazers on Tuesday night at the Cayman Islands Classic. Five Bulls posted double figures before finally putting the Blazers away.

Both teams got off to fast starts to begin the game. Buffalo opened up a 19-11 lead with baskets from Dontay Caruthers and Davonta Jordan. But like most of the game, the Blazers charged back with a run of their own. UAB closed the half out with a 14-7 run and headed to the locker room with a 44-37 advantage.

Buffalo’s defensive pressure was much better when the second half rolled around, but the Bulls suffered from a hot-and-cold night. Twice, the Bulls had a ten-point lead that was squandered before an even worse 19-3 Blazer run ensued.

With the game all but iced with UB leading at the 1:31 to go mark, UAB worked their magic again and sent the game into overtime.

Adding onto his great performance as the team’s primary ball handler, Jordan added the only Bulls overtime field goal and quickly put UB ahead. From there, Buffalo executed their best defense of the night and collected a ton of points from the free throw line.

Caruthers led the way to the Bulls win, putting together one of his best performances since coming to Buffalo. The junior guard threw up 23 points on the night. He also brought in seven boards and three assists. Even more impressive was his 8-11 shooting on the day.

Jeremy Harris and CJ Massinburg weren’t far behind with 17 and 16 points respectively. Nick Perkins had 14 and Jordan rounded out the double-figures parade with 13 on the scoreboard. Jordan had just one turnover on the night to his six assists.

With the win, Buffalo moves to 3-1 on the season. Their next matchup will be on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. against South Dakota State. If the Bulls win the game, they’ll finish fifth in the Cayman Islands Classic.