In a stunning turn of events, Ohio handed Buffalo a devastating 95-83 loss at Alumni Arena, pulling off a major upset that will send shockwaves through the college basketball world. The Bobcats, ranked 231 in the net rankings, were predicted to fall by 11.1 points according to CHD Scout, but they had other plans. Led by Javan Simmons' impressive 24-point, 13-rebound performance, Ohio dominated the Bulls from start to finish, silencing the home crowd and dealing a significant blow to Buffalo's tournament hopes.
The game got off to a blistering pace, with Ohio racing out to a 46-31 halftime lead behind Simmons' 12 first-half points. The Bobcats' high-powered offense showed no signs of slowing down in the second half, as they continued to pour in the points and build on their lead. Aidan Hadaway and JJ Kelly chipped in with 19 and 17 points, respectively, as Ohio's balanced attack proved too much for the Bulls to handle.
Despite a valiant effort from Daniel Freitag, who scored a game-high 25 points, Buffalo was unable to mount a serious comeback. Ryan Sabol added 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Bulls, while Angelo Brizzi contributed 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The Bulls' usually stout defense was breached time and again by the Bobcats, who shot with precision and exploited every weakness.
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The loss is a crushing blow to Buffalo's tournament resume, as it falls into the Quadrant 4 category. The Bulls, ranked 152 in the net rankings, had been hoping to build on their 14-8 record and make a push for the postseason. Instead, they'll have to regroup and refocus after this disappointing setback. On the other hand, the win is a significant boost to Ohio's resume, as it falls into the Quadrant 3 category and gives the Bobcats a much-needed lift in their pursuit of a tournament bid.
CHD Scout's prediction of a Buffalo win by 11.1 points looks particularly misguided in hindsight, as the Bobcats outplayed and outcoached the Bulls in every facet of the game. The actual margin of 12 points in favor of Ohio is a reflection of the Bobcats' determination and skill, and serves as a reminder that upsets can happen on any given night in college basketball.
As the season enters its final stretch, this result will have real consequences for both teams. Ohio's upset win will give them a much-needed confidence boost, while Buffalo will have to pick up the pieces and try to rebound from this tough loss. For the Bobcats, this win is a major feather in their cap, and will undoubtedly be a key talking point when it comes to their tournament chances. With this impressive victory, Ohio has firmly planted itself on the radar, and want to build on this momentum as they push towards the postseason.