Bulls Set Cancun Challenge Scoring Record In 106-90 Win Over Illinois State

Wednesday, November 24

Cancun, Mexico

6:00 pm

106

Illinois State

Bulls Set Cancun Challenge Scoring Record In 106-90 Win Over Illinois State

11/24/2021 8:40:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

CANCUN, MEXICO – The University at Buffalo men's basketball scored the most points in Cancun Challenge history on Wednesday night as the Bulls defeated Illinois State, 106-90. The win improves UB to 3-2 on the season.

The Bulls were clicking on all cylinders as UB shot 52.6% from the floor, including 62.9% in the second half, hitting 8-of-10 three pointers in the process. Illinois State led just once, scoring the first three points of the game, but the Bulls took over, riding the hot hand of sophomore David Skogman, who scored 15 of his career high 17 points in the first half.

Skogman scored eight of UB's first 15 points as the Bulls built a 15-6 lead just four minutes in. Buffalo extended its lead to 23-11 as senior Ronaldo Segu drained a three-pointer with 12:50 left. Illinois State made one run as they cut a 13-point Buffalo lead down to three, but UB responded right away with 10 straight points of their own, capped off on a dunk by senior Jeenathan Williams. UB extended its advantage to 40-34 at the break.

Josh Mballa, who finished the first half strong, dominated in the second half as he finished with a career high 29 points. A three-pointer from the Bordeaux, France native put the Bulls ahead 62-42. The two teams then traded baskets back and forth, but seven straight points from senior Keishawn Brewton gave the Bulls their largest lead of the night at 78-55 with 10:58 left.

Illinois State never got any closer than within 13 for the remainder of the night as the Bulls were able to cruise to victory.

Mballa led all scorers with 29 points, to go along with eight rebounds. Three players finished with 17 points, including Skogman, who went 6-of-7 from the floor.

Segu added 17 points and a season-high eight assists, while turning it over just once. Senior Jeenathan Williams also finished with 17 points as he moved into 21^st place on UB's all-time scoring list.

Brewton finished with 10 points and four assists, while Maceo Jack and Lucas Saleh each had five points. Freshman Curtis Jones scored the first three points of his career, while adding three assists and five boards. Senior Tra'von Fagan had three points as well.

The Bulls held a 41-30 advantage on the glass and after recording 20 turnovers yesterday, Buffalo had 22 assists on Wednesday, while turning it over just nine time.

UB returns home on Monday evening when the Bulls host Point Park at Alumni Arena.