1-1
Kentucky
2-0
Bulls Take Halftime Lead Before Falling To #1 Kentucky
11/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
LEXINGTON, KY - The State University of New York, Buffalo men's basketball team had its sight set on one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history on Sunday afternoon and through 20 minutes, it looked like it might come true. The Bulls held a 38-33 lead at the half against #1 ranked Kentucky before the Wildcats moved ahead in the second half for a 71-52 win at Rupp Arena in front of a nearly sold out crowd of 22,175.
The Bulls got out to a quick start to the game thanks to the shooting of junior Jarryn Skeete, who scored 14 of his 16 points in the opening half. Despite a noticeable size difference on the court, Kentucky was unable to grab more than a four point advantage. Trailing 25-23 in the first half, the Bulls went on a 7-0 run, which was capped off on a thunderous dunk from junior Justin Moss over a Kentucky defender.
Kentucky regained the lead 33-32 with 4:24 left, but the Bulls held the number one team off the scoreboard for the rest of the half and ended the half on a 6-0 run with the final three points coming from junior Rodell Wigginton.
However, in the second half Kentucky came out and showed why they have earned the number one ranking. The Wildcats opened the second half on a 9-0 run to take a 42-38 lead, but the Bulls answered back with five quick points coming on a jumper from freshman Lamonte Bearden and three free throws from Rodell Wigginton.
UB continued to lead with 14:23 remaining following a jumper from Skeete, which put the Bulls ahead 45-43, but then Kentucky took control for the final 14 minutes, ending the game on a 28-7 run.
"I was really proud of my team and how we competed, particularly in the first half," said second-year head coach Bobby Hurley. "Obviously being able to have a halftime lead against this type of opponent was a big thing for us. Hopefully it is a confidence-building performance. Proud of winning the hustle game early in the first half with loose balls, charges, gritty play."
Skeete led all scorers with 16 points, shooting 4-of-6 from three point range. Wigginton added 15 points, doing most of his damage from the free throw line, where he was 9-for-11. Moss added eight points and six rebounds, while freshman Lamonte Bearden added eight points and three assists.
Defensively, the Bulls held all five Kentucky starters in single figures in scoring, with most of their damage coming from the bench, led by 12 points from Tyler Ulis and Trey Lyles.
The crowd of 22,175 was the largest that UB has ever played in front of.
The Bulls will remain on the road Tuesday night as they head to Texas-Arlington for an 8:00 pm EST tip off.
