NCAA Tournament: Check out our preview, television listing and betting lines for when the Buffalo Bulls take on the Miami (FL) Hurricanes later tonight.
The NCAA Tournament officially got underway this afternoon when Duke and UNC Wilmington kicked things off in the West Region. That was a high scoring affair, which should happen again in the South Region when the University of Buffalo Bulls take on the Miami (FL) Hurricanes later tonight.
That will be the No. 3 vs. No. 14 matchup in that region, and should be another fun game for fans to watch. There should be no shortage of offense, as the Bulls like to play fast and the Hurricanes have the depth and talent to match the pace. With points per game averages of 76.6 for the Bulls and 75.6 for the Hurricanes.
Buffalo comes into the game with a record of 20-14, defeating Akron in the Mid-American Conference tournament to earn the automatic bid to the big dance. Buffalo became the first team in 14 years to defend a MAC title, as they won the tournament last season to get into the NCAA Tournament. Miami will enter the game with a record of 25-7, losing to Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament last week and earning an at-large bid. This is the first time that Miami has made the tournament since 2013.
Both teams have balanced offenses, with four players apiece scoring in double-figures. The Bulls are led by sophomore guard Lamonte Bearden and Blake Hamilton at 13.6 and 13.1 points respectively. Leading the way for the Hurricanes are a trio of players, led by Sheldon McClellan at 15.8 points per game, then Angel Hernandez at 11.8 and Davon Reed at 11.3.
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This will be the second consecutive season that Buffalo is in the tournament, and they should give Miami a good game. They have some experience from last season led by Bearden and should be a little more relaxed after playing in a tough matchup against West Virginia last season.
This game has the potential to turn into a track meet, as both teams have balanced offenses with multiple players to turn to for a basket. Miami head coach Jim Larranaga will be looking to recreate some of the magic he had 10 years ago when he coached George Mason to a Cinderella run to the Final Four in the 2006 NCAA Tournament.
Will he be able to do it again? You’ll have to tune in to find out. We have all the information you’ll need to watch the game including television and betting lines.
Where: South Region; Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence Rhode Island
When: 6:50 PM ET
Television: TNT
Betting Lines: Buffalo 13.5 point underdogs, Over/Under 148