Ohio’s Late Putback Leads Bobcats to 76-75 Victory Over UB

Friday, January 29

Buffalo, NY

7:00 pm

6-6,4-4MAC

Ohio

10-6,6-4MAC

Ohio

Buffalo

Ohio’s Late Putback Leads Bobcats to 76-75 Victory Over UB

1/29/2021 10:11:00 PM | Men's Basketball

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BUFFALO, NY – Ohio's Dwight Wilson converted on a second chance putback with 25 seconds remaining as the visiting Bobcats defeated the University at Buffalo men's basketball team, 76-75, Friday night at Alumni Arena. The Bulls had one last look, but a three from Ronaldo Segu as time expired was just short as UB evens its record at 6-6 and 4-4 in MAC play.

As has been the case in past games for the Bulls, UB needed a big second half effort as Ohio led for nearly the entire first 20 minutes of action, taking a 15-5 advantage just six minutes in. A fast break layup from Segu would cut the deficit all the way two with 5:02 left, but Ohio quickly would go back up by nine, a lead they would take into the break.

The Bobcats scored the first basket of the second half, matching their largest lead of the game at 11. A three from senior Keishawn Brewton capped off a 7-0 run for the Bulls as they pulled within four. The Bobcats again found themselves up by double figures at 58-47 with 11:08, but a three from Segu began to spark a little run by Buffalo.

Senior David Nickelberry scored four straight points and Jeenathan Williams scored on the fast break as UB scored nine straight pull back within two.

A layup from Williams with 5:07 left tied the game up at 68-68, the first time it was tied since the opening minute of play. Ohio would go back to take a four-point lead with 2:19 left, but three straight points from Jayvon Graves and a second chance putback by Josh Mballa gave the Bulls the lead at 75-74 with just 40 seconds left. It was the first time Buffalo had led in the game since the first minute.

However, on the ensuing possession Ohio's Ben Vander Plas missed a layup, but Wilson was there for the offensive board and the putback putting Ohio ahead. On UB's next possession, Williams had his shot blocked, as UB would send Wilson to the line for the one and one.

Wilson missed the front end and Graves grabbed the rebound pushing the ball up court. Graves would dish it off to Williams, who found a wide open Segu for three, but his attempt at the buzzer fell just short.

Graves led the Bulls with 18 points, while adding three rebounds, two steals, and three blocked shots. Williams finished with 14 points, while Mballa had a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Segu chipped in 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Sophomore LaQuill Hardnett had eight points off the bench, while Brewton added six points, and Nickelberry had four.

Ohio shot 52.5% for the game as the Bobcats were led by 21 points from Wilson.

The Bulls return to action on Tuesday night at Ball State. Tip off is set for 6pm.