UB 94, Canisius 59
How UB Won: Canisius had no answers for UB's size and its physical post play. The Bulls got 40 points out of their post players and dominated the backboards, 43-25. Canisius needed to shoot it well from the outside to have a chance. It didn't happen. Leading scorer Harold Washington was scoreless in the first half and finished with 10. Gutsy effort by Gaby Belardo (team-high 16 off bench). He's been bothered by a sore back after suffering a concussion just before season. Griffs coach Tom Parrotta said maybe he shouldn't have played him.
Player of the Game: Mitchell Watt was a force in the first half as UB pulled out of a five-point deficit and built a 10-point lead at intermission. He had 14 of his 16 in the opening 20 minutes and finished with 16 points, six rebounds, four blocks, three assists and three steals.
Best Supporting Role: The Bulls got a high-quality game out of guard Tony Watson, who entered and helped spark UB out of a sluggish first half. He finished with a career-high 13 points and went 6 of 6 from the line. Watson sat out UB's season-opener after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.
Stat of the Game: It was UB's largest margin of victory ever over the Griffs.
In the House: 2,122 at Alumni Arena with the students having fled home for the holiday.
What It Means: UB goes to 3-1, Canisius 1-3.
Next Up: Both teams have some time off. UB plays at Dayton a week from today. Canisius plays its home and MAAC opener against Iona on Dec. 2.
On My Mind: The Town of Amherst ought to repaint the road lines on Audubon Pkwy. They're indistinguishable at night.
-- Bob DiCesare
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Canisius | College basketball | University at Buffalo
