Where are the students?
Hmmm. UB's off to its best start ever in the MAC. It's winning streak is now at seven games. And yet the student section at Tuesday night's 56-55 victory over Central Michigan was as sparsely populated as a Midwestern farm town. What gives? Has this suddenly become a football campus? Do the students only turn out when there's a chance to get some air time on ESPN? Niagara students wouldn't react to a non-break game with such nonchalance.
As for the game itself, UB's ability to hold on for the win took Andy Robinson off the hook big time. A failed monster slam on a breakaway with 12 seconds left and the Bulls up one? Inexcusable from a senior. And this team doesn't get through the MAC tournament if it shoots 7 of 19 from the free throw line.
The Bulls would do well to avoid Central Michigan come tourney time. The Chips had won three straight over the Bulls before Tuesday and they had No. 4 in their grasp. Coach Ernie Zeigler limited possessions by taking 10-15 seconds off the shot clock before shifting into the offense. UB's accustomed to dictating tempo with its defensive pressure but CMU gave it little opportunity. Zeigler does a nice job with a limited cast. Only four players scored, and the Nos. 1-3 positions accounted for all but four points.
-- Bob DiCesare
