Buffalo Will Play at South Dakota State in Nationally-Televised BracketBuster Game
1/30/2012 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's basketball team will play at South Dakota State of the Summit League in a Sears BracketBuster matchup, to be televised on ESPNU at 1 pm EST on February 18. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools. The Mid-American Conference received three total television games, tied for the second most among the mid-major conferences.
"It is an honor to be one of just 26 teams and one of three MAC schools selected to play in a nationally-televised game," head coach Reggie Witherspoon said. "We look forward to showcasing our program on a national stage."
The Jackrabbits rank second in The Summit League with a 17-6 overall record and a 9-2 mark in the conference, including a perfect 8-0 record at home. The team is led by all-league guard Nate Wolters, who posts an impressive average of 20.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.
South Dakota State is one of the most potent offensive teams in the nation, with four players averaging over 10 points per game and its 79.9 points per game average ranking 12th in the nation.
The Jackrabbits have played two opponents also common to UB, posting a win over fellow MAC school Western Michigan, 82-76, and downing Big 4 rival Niagara, 79-71.
"To be selected to play a nationally-televised game is a great opportunity for our program and university to get national exposure," University at Buffalo Vice President and Director of Athletics Warde Manuel said.
Buffalo is currently 12-6 overall and 5-2 in Mid-American Conference play. The Bulls will host Ball State on Wednesday night at Alumni Arena.
Akron will travel to Oral Roberts and Ohio will host UNC Asheville in other nationally-televised games.
