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University at Buffalo
18-8, 12-4MAC
Miami (OH)
11-16, 7-9MAC
Bulls Double Up RedHawks In Second Half For 78-55 Win
3/1/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's basketball team clinched at least a share of the MAC East Division title on Saturday afternoon as the Bulls outscored the visiting Miami (OH) RedHawks, 50-25, in the second half en route to a 78-55 victory at Alumni Arena. Senior Joshua Freelove scored a career-high 24 points as the Bulls improved to 18-8 on the year and 12-4 in conference play. The 12 conference victories tie for the most in UB's MAC history. The UB win, paired with today's Kent State victory over Ohio, has secured a bye to Cleveland for the Bulls.
The Bulls got off to a quick start on Saturday as they opened up a 16-9 lead just seven and a half minutes into the game following a three pointer from freshman Shannon Evans. The Bulls continued to lead 18-11 when Miami went on a 16-2 run to take its largest lead of the game, 27-20 with four minutes left in the half. However, the Bulls were able to get the momentum back. UB went on an 8-0, taking a one-point lead, but Miami hit a three before the buzzer to take a 30-28 advantage into the half.
The second half became a totally different story as the Bulls put up a season-high 50 points in the final twenty minutes, doubling up the RedHawks, 50-25. UB shot 68% from the floor in the second half, including 63.6% from three point range. The second half charge was led by Freelove, who scored 21 of his 24 points in the final half. In fact, Freelove scored just four points fewer than the entire Miami offense in the second half.
The Bulls led 52-45 with 9:46 left when a Freelove three pointer ignited a 19-3 run which was capped off on a three-point play from Javon McCrea with 4:14 left as the Bulls led 71-48. Another three pointer from Freelove gave the Bulls their largest lead of the game, 74-49 with 2:32 left.
"It was great to watch the way we played on both ends of the floor in the second half today," said head coach Bobby Hurley. "Led by what Josh was able to do scoring 21 in the second half and hitting some big threes really energized our team."
Freelove now has over 20 points in each of UB's last two home games as he reached a new UB career high with his 24 points today. Freelove went 8-for-12 from the floor, including 6-for-10 from three point range. The six three pointers were the most made by a player this season and the most in a game since Tony Watson had seven vs. Manhattan last year.
He led four players in double figures including McCrea, who had his 15th double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Despite being in foul trouble for much of the day, senior Jarod Oldham finished with 11 points, five assists and four steals. Oldham was 4-of-5 from the floor. The five assists give him 394 for his career, moving him into fourth place in school history. Junior Will Regan added 10 points and six rebounds.
Evans gave the Bulls another spark off the bench as he was within striking distance of his first career double-double. The freshman finished with nine points and a career-high eight assists. Sophomore Justin Moss added six points and four rebounds, while Jarryn Skeete had three points, three rebounds and one huge block.
The Bulls have now tied their longest winning streak of the season at four games and have swept the season series from Miami for the first time since the 2008-09 season. The Bulls outrebounded Miami, 33-29, the eighth straight game they have outrebounded their opponent.
Miami was led by 12 points from Will Felder and 11 points from Quinten Rollins.
UB has two regular season games remaining beginning on Tuesday night at Akron at 7:00 pm. The Bulls return home for the regular season finale against Bowling Green on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 pm.
