UB 82, Niagara 74
Why UB Won: The Bulls should have won. They're bigger. They have more depth and experience. But Niagara never lays down in a rivalry game, particularly on its home floor, and it made the Bulls work right to the finish. Full-court pressure got Niagara back into the game after trailing by as many as 16 in the first half.
Play of the Game: There were 54 seconds left and UB led by three when Dave Barnett buried a long three from up top. The Bulls finally had some breathing room.
Player of the Game: Titus Robinson came off the bench to give UB 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal in 22 minutes. He was 5 of 6 from the field and 2 of 2 from the line.
Player of the Game II: Niagara's post woes could be solved if Scooter Gillette plays with this kind of ferocity on a regular basis. He had a career-high 12 points to go with five rebounds.
Stat of the Game I: Niagara scoring leader Juan'ya Green finished with 16 but was just 4 of 20 from the field, including 0 of 9 from three.
Stat of the Game II: UB won the boards, 47-34, helping it to overcome 18 turnovers and eight Niagara steals.
Stat of the Game III: Niagara was 7 of 27 from behind the arc.
They Said It: Joe Mihalich on rebounds that eluded Niagara down the stretch: "Charron Fisher, 6-3 1/2, 15 pounds overweight, can't wait to get his pizza after the game, he would have had that rebound. It just wouldn't have mattered. He goes and gets that rebound. We need that attitude."
In the House: There were 2,061 at the Taps.
Next Up: UB entertains Youngstown State Saturday night while Niagara travels to Hartford.
-- Bob DiCesare
tagged
College basketball | Niagara | University at Buffalo
