Bulls Erase Late Deficit to Defeat Ohio, 70-66

Calvin Betts ties a career high with 20 points

Calvin Betts

BUFFALO, NY - The University at Buffalo men's basketball team erased a nine-point deficit in the final five minutes of the game to defeat Ohio, 70-66, at Alumni Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls improved to 2-1 in Mid-American Conference play and are now tied for first in the East Division.

The Bulls (10-5, 2-1 MAC) were led by Calvin Betts, who was playing with a heavy heart after learning his grandfather had passed away on Thursday night. The junior forward tied a career high with 20 points and added five rebounds and a pair of steals.

A lay-up by Justin Orr gave the Bobcats a 58-49 lead with 5:01 remaining. The Bulls responded with a 9-1 scoring run, capped by a pair of Rodney Pierce free throws, to cut the lead to 59-58 with 2:45 left.

Andy Robinson found a cutting Betts for a lay-up with 2:11 left to give the Bulls their first lead since the first half. Following a steal by Andy Robinson on Ohio's next possession, Jawaan Alston grabbed an offensive rebound, got the putback and was fouled. His free throw gave the Bulls a 63-59 lead with 1:40 remaining.

After Ohio's Steven Coleman hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to 65-64, Greg Gamble hit a pair of free throws to regain a 67-64 advantage with 26 second left. A steal by Pierce on Ohio's ensuing possession sealed the win for the Bulls.

Jawaan Alston

Gamble scored 12 points, including a pair of three-pointers for Buffalo. Titus Robinson continued to play well as a starter with eight points and three rebounds in only 13 minutes.

Pierce had four of the Bulls' season-high 12 steals and UB forced 18 Ohio turnovers. Eleven different players scored for the Bulls.

"We had to really raise our level of concentration and our energy level to have a chance in the second half," head coach Reggie Witherspoon said. "It was a great team win. I am very proud of Calvin given all that he has gone through these last couple of days."

The Bulls will next host Kent State at Alumni Arena on Wednesday night.