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University at Buffalo
12-7, 6-3MAC
Ball State
4-16, 1-8MAC
Bulls Cruise Past Ball State, 69-48
2/5/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's basketball team used a strong defensive effort and a big second-half run as they won their 10th straight at Alumni Arena this season with a 69-48 victory over Ball State. Senior Javon McCrea reached another milestone in his career as he went over 1,800 career points with a 19-point, 14-rebound effort. The victory improves UB to 12-7 on the season and 6-3 in MAC play.
Both teams got off to a slow start on Wednesday evening as the Cardinals took their only lead of the night, 6-5, six and a half minutes into the game. The Bulls responded with a 10-2 run to take a 15-8 lead after junior Will Regan knocked down a three pointer with 7:51 left. Ball State pulled within two, 21-19 with 3:59 left, but the UB defense held the Cardinals scoreless for the remainder of the half. In that time, the Bulls were able to put five points up, taking a 26-19 lead into the break. The 19 points are the fewest the Bulls have allowed in a half this year.
Ball State pulled within two points over the first three and a half minutes of the second half, but the Bulls answered with a 17-6 run to take a 48-35 lead. The final points of the run coming on a three-pointer from senior Jarod Oldham, who had a season-high 17 points.
The Cardinals moved back within 48-39, but the Bulls went on another run, this time 16-5, taking a 64-44 lead with just 4:06 left. The Bulls led by as many as 23 points late in the game before coming away with the 69-48 victory.
"We did an excellent job on the defensive end tonight," said head coach Bobby Hurley. "We struggled a little bit offensively, but these guys were here for us. Jarod [Oldham] he is always solid defensively for us and tonight he was solid on the offensive end too. Javon brought a great physical presence inside, which paid off in the second half."
The Bulls had three players in double figures led by the 10th double-double of the season from McCrea, who finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds. He also added an assist, three blocks and two steals. The 19 points give him 1,801 for his career, just the third player in school history to reach that mark.
Oldham finished with a season-high 17 points as he went 10-of-11 from the free throw line. Oldham also added four rebounds, a game-high five assists, a block and two steals. Regan added 13 points, six rebounds and two assists. Senior Joshua Freelove had eight points and three assists
The Bulls got eight points off the bench from freshman Shannon Evans, who added two rebounds, three assists, a blocks and two steals. Sophomore Justin Moss finished with four points and a rebound.
As a team, UB went 26-of-35 from the free throw line, including 21-of-24 (87.5%) in the second half. The 35 free throws attempted were the second most in a single game this season.
Ball State was led by 15 points from Chris Bond and 11 points from Zavier Turner, while Majok Majok finished with eight points and 11 rebounds before fouling out.
After playing seven of their first nine against opponents from the MAC West, the Bulls will face their final cross-division opponent on Saturday night as they travel to Central Michigan. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
