Preview of Saturday’s Mid-American Conference Men’s Basketball Game

BUFFALO, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Buffalo Bulls, seeking to solidify their standing near the top of the Mid-American Conference, will host the struggling Ohio Bobcats at Alumni Arena on Saturday.

Buffalo (14-6 overall) enters the contest with momentum after an 89-78 road victory at Bowling Green on Tuesday. The Bulls are powered by guard Ryan Sabol, who is averaging 22.7 points over his last three games. He scored 22 points with five assists in the win over the Falcons.

Ohio (10-11) looks to halt a two-game skid following a 72-57 loss at Kent State on Tuesday. The Bobcats have lost four of their last five games. Guard JJ Kelly, who scored 17 points in a win over Northern Illinois on Jan. 20, will be a key factor for Ohio. He was held to 10 points in the loss to Kent State.

The Bulls won the first meeting this season, 88-71, in Athens on Dec. 20. Buffalo’s offense, averaging over 81 points per game, will test an Ohio defense that has allowed an average of 78.4 points in its last five outings.

Buffalo has been strong at home this season, while Ohio has struggled on the road, making the Bulls a clear favorite in this conference matchup. A win would help Buffalo keep pace in the MAC race, while Ohio aims to play spoiler and climb back to .500.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Following this game, Buffalo will host Miami (Ohio) on Tuesday, while Ohio will return home to face Western Michigan the same night.