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Bulls Fall Short Against Central Michigan, 59-56

Yassin Idbihi

The Bulls (10-14, 2-9 MAC) got off to a sluggish start, shooting only 21.7 percent in the first half and scoring a season-low 17 points. UB trailed Central Michigan, 25-17, at the break.

An inspired Bulls’ team opened the second half on a 7-0 run to quickly cut the Chippewas’ lead to 25-24. However, Central Michigan had an answer for every UB basket. The Bulls finally took the lead, 40-39, at the 9:13 mark.

After Central Michigan regained a 42-40 lead, the Bulls went on an 8-3 scoring run, capped by a pair of Byron Mulkey (Wheatfield, NY/Niagara-Wheatfield) free throws to take a 48-45 lead with 5:59 remaining.

Following two Idbihi free throws that gave the Bulls a 50-47 lead with 5:08 left, the Chippewas scored six unanswered points to take a 53-50 lead. A jump-hook by Parnell Smith (Indianapolis, IN/Pike) gave the Bulls a 54-53 lead with 2:57 remaining. However, on Central Michigan’s ensuing possession, Sefton Barrett hit a lay-up and was fouled. His free throw gave the Chippewas a 56-54 lead. Idbihi hit a pair of free throws to tie the contest at 56 with 2:19 left.

A free throw by Giordan Watson gave Central Michigan a 57-56 lead with 1:18 remaining. UB had two chances to take the lead in the final minute of the game. However, the Bulls turned the ball over on each possession. After Jordan Bitzer drained a pair of free throws to give the Chippewas a 59-56 lead, a three-point attempt by Smith in the closing seconds came up short.

Smith and Andy Robinson (Schenectady, NY/Schenectady) each scored 10 points and Greg Gamble (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls) chipped in with seven. Smith added eight rebounds.

Central Michigan (9-14, 4-7 MAC) was led by Barrett who had 21 points and eight rebounds. Watson added 16 points.

“It was a sloppy game and we didn’t do anything well enough to win,” head coach Reggie Witherspoon said. “I give credit to Central Michigan.”

The Bulls will remain at home and host Bowling Green on Tuesday night at Alumni Arena. Tip-off is slated for 7:00 pm.