BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The most successful season in program history for the UB men's basketball team has come to an end. On Sunday in the Round of 32 the No. 6 ranked Bulls fell to No. 3 Texas Tech 78-58.
Despite falling behind early the Bulls clawed their way back and took a brief 25-24 lead in the final minutes of the first half. Texas Tech responded with a 9-0 run, taking a 33-25 lead into the half.
It was 25-24 Bulls. They are now losing 48-28. That's a 24-3 run for Texas Tech. Gross.
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) March 24, 2019
After the break, the Red Raiders couldn't be stopped and the Bulls couldn't hit a shot. Buffalo didn't make their first field goal until nearly eight minutes into the second half. By that point, Texas Tech's lead was insurmountable.
Nick Perkins led the way for the Bulls with 17 points while Dovanta Jordan added 13 points. Jeremy Harris, who had 21 points against Arizona State on Thursday finished with just nine points against Texas Tech. CJ Massinburg, the MAC player of the year finished with 14 points.
"It’s been a great ride," Perkins said after the loss. "I had some ups and downs and it was mostly ups here but I’m going to miss the city of Buffalo and all that they’ve done for me.”
Sunday's loss to Texas Tech was the lowest scoring game of the season for the Bulls. Entering their matchup with the Red Raiders the Bulls had scored more than 62 points in every game they'd played this season.
"The city really like took me on and loved on me and I loved on them back," Massinburg added after the game. "This run I’ll remember for the rest of my life and I really appreciate [everyone] and I’ll be back in Buffalo pretty soon."
UB has never made it past the Round of 32 in the NCAA tournament. The Bulls end their season with a 32-4 record along with their fourth MAC title in the last five seasons.
Sunday marks the last game for an incredibly accomplished senior class as the Bulls say goodbye to Perkins, Massinburg, Harris, Caruthers, and Montell McRae.
On Instagram, the university saluted both the men and the women for their effort and regular-season performances.
