UB 80, Youngstown 72
How UB Won: The Bulls fed the Penguins a steady diet of Javon McCrea and Mitchell Watt and undersized Youngstown State couldn't handle UB's inside forces. Youngstown kept UB honest by raining threes, 14 of them in all. But the Bulls stuck to their game plan and shot 50 percent, winning via the surer shot.
Turning Point: It was a one-point game when UB went on a 7-0 run that ended with just over 5 minutes left. Tony Watson launched it with a three, Watt added two free throws and McCrea hit a bucket off a rebound.
Player of the Game: McCrea was a man amongst boys, particularly in the first half, when he responded to a pair of early turnovers by scoring 17 of his career-high-tying 29 points. He also had 13 rebounds.
Player of the Game II: Watt struck for a career-high 20 points to go with 10 boards and four blocks. He'ss now second all-time on UB'ss blocks list.
Unsung Hero: Zach Filzen, UB'ss leading scorer, subordinated himself to the game plan, taking just 8 shots, as Youngstown defended him with vigor. He still added 11 points, went 3 of 4 from beyond the arc and chipped in with four assists. It's nice having seniors.
Stat of the Game: Youngstown shot 40 percent from three, and 34 percent overall.
He Said It: Reggie Witherspoon on McCrea's two early turnovers: "I think he realizes that if he does that it stresses me out. And he doesn't want me to have a stress-free existence."
In the House: There were 1,611 at The Alum.
What It Means: It's a 6-2 start for the Bulls.
Next Up: The Bulls are off until their Dec. 20 game at BYU. It's a long way to travel. But at least they won't run into Jimmer Fredette.
-- Bob DiCesare
tagged
College basketball | University at Buffalo
