Buffalo enjoyed the finest season in school history last year, tying a record for most wins (23) and earning the school's first-ever NCAA berth. There, the Bulls almost upset West Va (lost 68-62) and head coach and rising star Bobby Hurley left and took the job at Arizona St.
PG Evans (15.4-4.6 APG) followed him to Tempe, as did key freshman recruit, Graham. The 'hits' didn't stop there, as MAC player of the year Justin Moss (17.5-9.2) had an off the court issue which got him expelled from the school in August. Nate Oats, Hurley's assistant the last two years, but with ZERO head coaching experience in CBB, got the job.

The Bulls are 12-9 overall (5-3 in the MAC) and while the team goes nine-deep, there are NO standout players like Moss or Evans.

As for Northern Illinois, coming off a 14-16 season (8-10 in the MAC), the Huskies have a chance to win the MAC West. They are currently tied at the top (5-3) with Central Michigan plus own an excellent 16-5 overall record. The 6-10 Maric (12.3-8.0) will be the best big man on the floor (the strong-boarding Huskies are plus-7.4 in rebounding margin) plus PG Baker (11.9-3.8 APG), fellow starter Armstead (10.7-5.4) and reserve guard Wilson (11.1), give the Huskies excellent scoring on the perimeter.

Northern Illinois is 13-0 at home, including going 7-1 ATS in lined games. Meanwhile, Buffalo is a very poor road team allowing 78.9 PPG and just not a good team. Northern Illinois should have their way here tonight!