ATHENS, OH - The University at Buffalo again found themselves in position to play David in a Mid-American Conference road game.

In the end, however, Goliath - in the form of Dave Esterkamp and Brandon Hunter of Ohio University - had too much firepower. It added up to an 86-76 loss before 6,340 patrons at The Convo in a clash of MAC East Division teams.

Buffalo lost despite shooting 52% - their second-best figure of the season on the road - and forcing 17 Ohio turnovers. They lost because Esterkamp scored 20 of his 27 points in the second half and the Bobcats (15-9, 10-5) shot 53.8% for the game and benefitted from taking an additional 14 free throws in the intense contest.

"This was a very hard-fought game and a good college basketball game. Our guys see some progress and we've had our opportunities. We've been playing everyone close and they believe our day is coming," said UB head coach Reggie Witherspoon afterwards.

The Bulls got big performances out of many players to keep it close with the talented Bobcats. Junior Jason Robinson (Seattle, WA/Curtis) continued his fine play with a team-best 20 points and nine rebounds while Louis Campbell (Rahway, NJ/Rahway) added 18 points, five assists and matched his career-high with six steals. Junior Davis Lawrence (Brooklyn, NY/New Utretch) added 12 points and four rebounds while Duane Williams (Detroit, MI/Denby), seeing his first action of the season since joining the team from the UB football squad, impressed with four points and five rebounds in 25 quality minutes.

The Bulls came out of the gates charging, taking a 10-7 lead on a dunk by Robert Brown (Oark Park, MI/Oak Park) before Ohio surged. The Bobcats went on a 13-3 run to go ahead 20-13 before Buffalo rallied again. A three by Robinson at 3:19 made it 36-35 Ohio and the Bobcats held a 43-40 lead at intermission.

The Bulls took their only lead of the second half on a trifecta by Gabe Cagwin (Belfair, WA/North Mason) with 11:14 remaining but Ohio quickly answered. The Bobcats ran off a 14-3 run capped by four straight by Hunter to take a 71-61 lead.

The Bulls weren't done, however, cutting the lead to 74-71 with 3:09 remaining, but Ohio hit 8-of-9 free throws in the final three minutes to seal the win.