March 1, 2011

BUFFALO, NY - Still with a chance to host a first-round tournament game, the Buffalo men's basketball team will face Miami Wednesday night for the final home game for seniors Jawaan Alston and Byron Mulkey. The team is looking to snap a three-game losing streak to Mid American Conference East Division opponents.

Buffalo dropped two games over a three-day span in Ohio, losing 72-69 at Kent State and 69-60 at Akron. Javon McCrea was the standout in both games, tallying 15 points and 11 rebounds against Kent State and another 23 points against Akron. Poor free throw shooting was the downfall last week, as Buffalo shot 6-14 against the Flashes and 7-14 against the Zips.

It will be a warm welcome home for the team as it holds an 11-3 record in the friendly confines of Alumni Arena. It will also be a welcome trip home for senior guard Byron Mulkey, who averages 16.9 points per game at home compared to just 10.9 on the road. Mulkey and Alston will cap their respective careers against a RedHawk team that has been peaking in conference play.

Miami is 15-14 overall and 10-4 in the MAC. The major Achilles heel for the team has been on the road, with only a 4-10 record away from Millett Hall. The Redhawks offense averages 66.6 points per game and has three players averaging double figures in points. Julian Mavunga leads the way in both points and rebounds, with 14.8 and 7.6, respectively.

This will be the 28th meeting with Miami, with the RedHawks holding a 20-7 advantage in the series. Earlier this season, Miami won 70-67 in Oxford with Javon McCrea the only Bulls in double figures, scoring a career-high 26 points. The last time the teams faced off in Alumni Arena, Buffalo won 73-55 win. 

Tip off is set for 7:30 pm with the game being show on Sports Time Ohio. For fans who can't make it to the game, Josh Whetzel will be on the call for WECK 1230. The first 500 fans to the game will receive a free Byron Mulkey mini bobblehead.