TULSA, OK (WKBW) — Friday marks UB's first game of this year's NCAA Tournament and what a difference a calendar year makes. From an underdog #13 seed to a "favorite" #6 seed, UB has come a long way and are once again ready to make some noise in March.
"We're not sneaking up on nobody anymore. Everybody knows who Buffalo is," said senior Nick Perkins. "I think along those terms, we a little better this year and have to bring out A game."
The Bulls are a deep team and have the experience. CJ Massinburg and Perkins, especially, who've been on this stage more than once.
"We didn't know how lucky we were to go to the NCAA Tournament our first year of college basketball," Massinburg said. "Some people don't even experience it at all. Some people only experience it one time. We experienced it three times."
It's a new scenario for the Bulls but they have the same goal.
This team is here for a reason. They want to make it not just to the second round of the Tournament but the second weekend. They want to prove UB can make a splash once again, even as a MAC team who may not have gotten what they wanted.
"31-3 and got a 6th seed," Coach Oats said about his squad. "They better play with a chip on their shoulder. We're happy to have it. If you're 31-3, another level though, you're not going to be a 6 seed."
The Bulls hit the floor Friday afternoon against Arizona State.
