#13 Buffalo Bulls Men’s Basketball ends historic season after losing to #5 Kentucky, 95-75

Buffalo Bulls Men’s Basketball put up a valiant effort in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32 against the #5 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday evening, but ultimately fell short, 95-75.

The score isn’t indicative of how tight the game was as UB often found themselves within five or so points throughout. But, the Bulls faced a few problems that prevented them from getting over the hump and snatching this game.

UB largely struggled against the length and athleticism that this Kentucky squad had. Even if the Bulls were able to get the ball down to the likes of Nick Perkins and Ikenna Smart, it was still a difficult task of getting a bucket. Kentucky’s size also played a huge role in the lopsided rebounding totals (42 to UB’s 30)

But, the biggest problem UB faced before the wheels came off was three-point shooting. After going 15-30 the other night against Arizona, the Bulls couldn’t sink the shot nearly as well at 22 percent. For a Bulls team so reliant at stretching the floor with threes, it wasn’t looking good as the second half counted down.

To win in March, you have to play your best game, and unfortunately UB didn’t play well enough. They had plenty of effort though and you can’t take that away from this Bulls team.

Leading the Bulls in his final game at Buffalo was Wes Clark. The point guard finished the night with 26 points and 6 assists. He’s been a fantastic player to watch over these last few months and a pro contract will be waiting for him when he graduates.

CJ Massinburg and Jeremy Harris were the only other Bulls in double figures with 18 and 10 points respectively.

The loss marks an end to a historic UB season that culminated with a third MAC Championship and an NCAA Tournament upset. It’s really hard to expect more of a mid-major. Next year’s UB Bulls look to be even better as the greatest recruiting class in UB’s history reloads an already veteran squad. Congrats to the coaches and their players on an amazing run.

Thanks for reading this season Bulls fans. We’ll talk more through the coming weeks about the season.