John

1 hour ago, UBinMD said:

Maybe you will get sent a coupon for next season 🤣

I wonder if Alnutt will raise ticket prices next year??? Another game like so many this year with little ball movement, turnovers and missed free throws when it mattered. So sad when the true blue was announced that there were 5/6 students in attendance. Looking at our section 114 so many fans are gone that we came to know in years past. There doesn’t seem to be much hope for next year when there is no indication Coach H has an any idea on recruiting. The years of getting some decent transfers and JUCO’s seem to be gone. At least Coach Burke has three promising commitments for next year. Is UB going to put tickets up for the women’s game in Cleveland??

6 hours ago, enrique14150 said:

Please, let's not re-live that game.  We have so many better memories to draw from.

Most of this season is done and dusted.  The only way is forward.  Halcovage isn't going anywhere.  We'll see what they can do from here off some late season progress.

Agree! Looking forward to the four remaining games this week and positive thoughts going forward. Go Bulls!!

15 hours ago, skrabukes said:

Up 19

Up 4 less than a minute left

Idbihi from the corner with Battle not touching the ball to end regulation

Leon freaking Williams 

Heatbreak

Bringing that game up again!!!! Our family was there and remember so many fans yelling for Reggie to call a timeout when Ohio went on the run and he stood on the sidelines and did nothing. Old wounds again as Reggie joins a long list of coaches that are terrible X’s and O’s coaches. I am getting sick again just thinking of that game. On the other opinions we can agree to disagree. The college landscape especiallly at the mid major level has changed since the pandemic, the transfer portal and now the NIL. All these kids see and hear what is happening. It is more important than ever to have the right head coach and a good recruiting staff that can promote your program as a positive both academically and financially. Then the big question is?i Is a coach going to hit on some players that turn into very good D-1 players and promote a team atmosphere?? The debate will go on and that is what continues to be great about college sports and to have different perspectives. 

9 minutes ago, Chet said:

Spot on. 

Do agree also. The total chaos in college sports has changed from last year to this year. All these players are being sold a bill of goods and it depends who they listen to and for many of these players they will go to power conferences and sit on the bench with little or no playing time. If some of these players can get NIL deals they will stay for the money and for their education as a secondary reason. Money used to drive the business world now it is the driving force for college athletes. 

1 hour ago, skrabukes said:

Who's fault is it that there is no talent here? The main talent (and scoring 52% of the points on the season) that is on this current team was left from the previous regime. Why does this staff get a complete pass about not bringing in any players if this team is so "talent-less"? Last year's team lost pretty much all of their scoring coming into the season, yet somehow brought in enough "talent" to be a .500 team and make it to the MAC tournament (including leaving behind their most talented piece that didn't even get to play last year). The "the coach got started late" doesn't work, sorry. This isn't 2000 where you only can bring in freshmen and then have to develop them over the course of years. They didn't bring in a guy like Armoni - veteran PG to help the new guys, or a guy like Zid, who at least made games enjoyable to watch, as frustrating as he was a times to watch, or Adams, or Jo, or a major talent like Sy who had to sit out. There's no reason for UB to ever have 2 MAC wins and 3 wins overall at this point in the season, NIL, no NIL, whatever. Again, this roster is far more "talented" than those 2/3 wins anyhow, but this whole talk is ridiculous at this point. The MAC is far leaner than year's past, only 4 teams in the top 200 in the NCAA and 3 teams 300+! The pre-season schedule didn't have a ton of the "big name" opponents as they have in year's past. Yet somehow we're relegated to "this team has improved", versus having wins. There's many more multiples of double digit losses than wins, including the time of the somehow recently "improved" team.

While I still go to the games and always support the teams and programs, I just can't understand how anyone can possibly see silver linings based upon what they've seen over the last several months of this team, and then possibly think that it's going to get drastically better once their (by far) best player is gone next year. At least when the Sabres suck, they at least pour on wins once their out of it (like they have been recently), and give people something to cheer over. We're still sitting on 3 wins (sorry, a 28 turnover "win" versus Roberts Wesleyan is not counted in my eyes) with only 2 games left to play. Maybe we can pull off a win on senior night and at least have something to smile about on Friday (versus the crowd leaving the games with their collective heads hanging like they have had to do most night's this year). 

We can all have our opinions on what has happened. There have been opinions by some sports journalists that because of NIL and the transfer portal many of the mid major conferences are in big trouble getting talented athletes. Without a coaching staff with and without an experienced recruiter  with the current status in college it will be very difficult to get a decent roster and keep them. Do not have information if this staff has been successful in their recruiting. There are many college teams all over the landscape that are having terrible seasons.I recently seen Depaul’s record something like 2 wins and 0-17 in conference just to name one college. It is all about the power conferences and their millions and millions of dollars and these kids being sold on NIL deals that many of the mid majors can’t compete with. The idea of an education does not seem to be discussed. Will continue to follow some college basketball and some of us will look for other venues to spend our dollar on. 

23 minutes ago, UBinMD said:

Better be careful blaming anything on players. Players are only responsible when they win. When you lose, the coaches need to be accountable. They are just kids after all.

So in sports let’s not make players accountable and responsible for their actions. Have not we heard that sports are like life with the many ups and downs. It is how you learn from them and never give up and learn from mistakes. As in life hopefully kids learn the right lessons from adults. Do agree that we can take sports too seriously and as this year has shown us that we have to just enjoy basketball for what it is like enjoying the play from kids on teams in our conference and other teams around the landscape.

20 hours ago, NC_UBfan said:

That was a winnable game missed an opportunity to ruin Kent St. senior night. Lots of emotions in the first 3min of the game UB did not match the energy until the 6min mark. 
Too many missed contested  layup opportunities. Not enough hight to deal with Kents front court. They have not learned how to beat the top 3 yet but they are very close. 

Missed layups seem to be their nemesis all year. I am sure they are practicing that and the coaches are preaching that. Do agree it looks like we would have to play the perfect game to beat the top three teams and of course get officiating that is not slanted toward the top three teams. The AD’s can say that officials are held accountable but sadly I have not seen that to be the case. 

16 hours ago, enrique14150 said:

There are plenty of games I was angry about this season, or disheartened, or flat out embarrassed.  This isn't one of them.  The Bulls competed today against a good team, it was an even game till they got sloppy on a series of possessions and Toledo went on a run.  The team kept fighting the whole time.  I saw a more intense Coach Halcovage and some continued improvement from a lot of players, which I want to believe is from coaching.  Nothing for me to be really mad about today.  When you look at the stats - they shot 49%, 30% from three, 11-11 at the line, almost even on rebounds, 11 blocks, beat them on points in the paint, the only thing I would point to is 17 turnovers. But the rest of those look good to me, and a LOT better than earlier in the year.  Bottom line, Toledo got to the line way too many times and hit almost all their free throws.

Chatman - does what he does, be the go-to guy.
Adams - my brother said, you kinda didn't realize he had that many points.  
Zakir -uses his body well and positions himself well, and finally has a nice touch inside. Major improvement from this guy.
Wilson - I love what he's bringing off the bench.  Plays aggressively at both ends.  

Man the refs were bad today.  Probably both ways.  I feel like a lot of basketball refs anticipate plays and fouls and call things they think are about to happen, and when you look at the replay, they didn't.  My brother said at some point, it was devolving into a death spiral of makeup calls.

I can't say enough about how much some of these guys have improved lately.  It gives me hope for next year - if they can keep this core of Sabol, Fulcher, Wilson, Boldin, and Zakir, add a big guy and a three-point shooter, they're looking a lot more competitive. Also, please bring in Dontay Carruthers for one practice to teach guys how to earn some charges.  Wilson tried, got decked.  But they don't even attempt them much.

Toledo - every year I say, Kowalczyk's pink slip is already filled out, they just have to sign and date it.  All these good teams and he has zero MAC titles, zero NCAA trips.  Cochran is a handful. Maddox has taken the 'short shorts' thing too far.

Crowd - this is the base UB crowd.  This is who you'll get however bad the season is.  I wish we'd see more students there, but that's been slipping for a long time, even when the teams were good.  The liveliness, and the fun, withered away.  So props to the band for picking up the slack as best they can.

Do agree with some improvement in the overall play of team especially on the offensive end with some better ball and players movement without the ball. Would love to see Bolton Jr. in this type offense instead of him sitting on the wing with no ball movement. Jury still out on Sabol who has not improved at all. Unfortunately in college we have seen many players with good high school numbers never develop at the college level. The game came down to turnovers and Toledo free throw shooting. Turnovers are something that these players should be able to improve on but sadly it has gone the other way. The comment that it is all on the coaching staff I do not agree with. These kids have been playing the game the whole lives and they are the ones on the floor not the coaches. There should be as much accountability on the players. It will be interesting to see who stays and who goes as we could have a totally different team next year.

2 hours ago, NC_UBfan said:

Confused? My comments was about the AD/President working to establish collectives to bring UB athletics on par w/the rest of the MAC in regards to NIL which as of today its not. Not sure why your comments on WBB but priority should be the football team specifically getting Lembo QB and DL help... 

When you state the rest of the MAC is ahead of UB where are you getting that information. I agree I worry about Alnutt and this admistration not putting their time in for the NIL to promote our athletes and get them to want to stay.

5 hours ago, John said:

Even with a rough game from Lewis-Willliams with low scoring and foul trouble some of the other players stepped up. Was impressed with our zone defense much improved with better movement and communication. We kept their big 6’3 center In check with both Ogden and Davis fronting her and their 20 point scorer Davis with 0 points and appeared to be totally frustrated and after many talks from her coach barely played in the 3rd/4th quarters. Rana appears to be comfortable in her play both scoring, assists and rebounding using her energy and never giving up. We were talking after the game about the first game against Daemen being first time against another team had a hard time even dribbling and holding on to the ball. Amazing what coaching, becoming comfortable in who you are and confidence can do for a player who had a good playing career at Edinburg. Go Bulls!!!!

Opps! It was Edinboro!!!

20 hours ago, DaBulls99 said:

Ladies head and shoulders better than USM. Rough offense first half but defense held them to a lead. Second half poured it on. 

Even with a rough game from Lewis-Willliams with low scoring and foul trouble some of the other players stepped up. Was impressed with our zone defense much improved with better movement and communication. We kept their big 6’3 center In check with both Ogden and Davis fronting her and their 20 point scorer Davis with 0 points and appeared to be totally frustrated and after many talks from her coach barely played in the 3rd/4th quarters. Rana appears to be comfortable in her play both scoring, assists and rebounding using her energy and never giving up. We were talking after the game about the first game against Daemen being first time against another team had a hard time even dribbling and holding on to the ball. Amazing what coaching, becoming comfortable in who you are and confidence can do for a player who had a good playing career at Edinburg. Go Bulls!!!!

15 hours ago, rma said:

UB did an amazing job with NGWSD at the game. What a great environment.

Amazing when you have a lot of younger fans at a game can do for the noise level. Would be nice for UB to have price discounts for the younger fans for every game. Half price and concession discounts. Common sense approach to get more fans at games. 

26 minutes ago, NC_UBfan said:

After seeing how we handled the size and athleticism of Miami and EMU I have confidence in our players to negate that advantage and execute Burke's game plan.  I think our back court has the advantage, SM does not have the size or speed to disrupt Watson. Also looks to be the type of game Davis/Rana and/or KLW could excel. Last game they were locked in defensively communicating well but were very disjointed and sloppy offensively playing down. With this being a home game I don't see them having that problem and wining by +10🤘

Good analysis. The home court advantage should help if we get bogged down. Two keys are the foul trouble and our free throw shooting that can sway a game. Good crowd and a loud crowd can help. Will be interesting to see a team from another conference. Go Bulls!!!!

On 2/6/2024 at 9:24 PM, Bluebird96 said:

NIU got their 2nd straight win, on the road over M-OH.  And EMU gave Toledo all they could handle before losing by 4.  Meanwhile UB proved beyond the shadow of a doubt they’re the weakest team in the MAC with yet another double digit L.  Hope for any sign of improvement is dim and getting dimmer 😩

Are Bolton Jr. and Graham still out with injuries? The team and bench just got weaker and any sign of improvement is gone.  I guess the big question is can we lose any game left by less than 20??

Should be an interesting game against a good team. They have decent size with some at 6-6’3. Two players are averaging 20 points and 13 points with the other starters averaging between 9-7 points. They are on a 4 game winning streak 6-6 in conference. Just looking to see how we match up against them in the frontcourt. Would be nice to see a larger crowd and maybe some student attendance??? Go Bulls!!!

9 hours ago, BrooklynBull said:

Northern is the longest and Ball State is the second longest trip.

Thanks for the information. I wonder if transportation by air was used by the UB teams under Coach Jack when thy had their great teams. Great to have the financial support from donors, alumni and the fans. 

5 hours ago, rma said:

Just based off social media posts they flew private to NIU, Ohio, Miami, CMU and commercial to Stony Brook and Drexel. The others I couldn’t find or they didn’t post. Nice to see the financial support the team receives allows them to do stuff like that. Akron and Kent are probably bus trips.

Not on the social media posts but is a nice perk for them to be able to fly to games. Hope donors want to continue support this team. Go Bulls!!!

6 hours ago, UBinMD said:

It makes a difference! 

I believe Miami of Ohio is the longest trip by far. Wonder where the funds came from to fly. At any rate a good sign when Coach Burke can use that as a recruiting tool. Go Bulls!!!!

14 minutes ago, UBinMD said:

From what I saw, it was mainly positive encouragement. The defense was lockdown, so that certainly helped. Some shots were just a bit wild, especially under the basket. As I said before, a lot looked like they were trying to draw fouls, but the refs weren't biting. Poor interior passing was a large contributor to the 18 turnovers. Overall, the team energy was good and they gutted it out together. The after game huddle was very positive. 

Thanks. The entire coaching staff does seem to be communicating with both players and Burke. After this game it appears there is many  things to learn from and also for the coaching staff to work on. It is not a MAC team they are playing Saturday so we could see an entirely different type of game. 

10 hours ago, Bluebird96 said:

Ugly or not, another road win and all alone in 4th, a full 3 games ahead of #8 Ohio at 4-7.  And huge win tonight by NIU to hand Ball their first MAC loss and knock them into a tie for 1st with Toledo.

If this team plays up to their potential and not down to the competition, I could see them finishing with 12 wins and doing some damage  come MAC tourney time.  

Agree. Will take an ugly win anytime. Good teams find a way sometimes to win and you need a player to step up when others are struggling. Did not see the game but wonder how Coach Burke and staff handled the adversity? Looking forward to Saturday. Go Bulls!!!

12 hours ago, NC_UBfan said:

Just caught the last 1:30 OT Ball St. losing on the road to NIU 71-76. I'll take our ugly road win over a pretty loss🤘

Agree. Does show that if a team as good as Ball State has an off night shooting 20% from the 3 point line and 9-20 from the line and NIU shoots 19-24 from the line any team can be beat.

2 hours ago, Chet said:

The team’s offensive woes are well on display, but the lack of intensity on D and lack of energy on the bench are a tough pill to swallow. That coupled with the coach that shows little emotion of the sideline while the team consistently gets blown out paints a really bad picture. 

Unfortunately that is on full display for all to see. 

2 hours ago, RapidsFan said:

Niagara Falls High School is coached by Niagara Falls legends Carlos Bradberry and UB alumnus Modie Cox - they're about to make a playoff run.

Niagara Falls gears up for final stretch of season with focus on scoring

Thanks for the updates. Hoping to taking in some of the high school girls games also. Going to some of the high school hockey games also as my nephew is on the Grand Island team. Trying to get our minds on games other than the pros and college. Sort of refreshing. 

16 minutes ago, TheCommish said:

Bobby Hurley is also 4 games under .500 in the pac12. Great Mac coach but an below average p4/p5 coach

Do agree. I know we have had our opinions and perspectives over the years about coaches and now the basketball culture of today. Coaches all over the country have different coaching philosophies and of course personalities. The key is to have a winning culture and a competitiveness that will breed more success and of course be able to recruit the best players. Also a coach has to have some luck that the players improve and want to stay in the program. Again it is all subjective and we all can have our different opinions and there is no right or wrong answer. The beauty of college sports has been diminished for some of us because of so many factors. All of us in some form have to try and find our enjoyment in sports in our own way. Our family will always continue to find our joy in life.

13 hours ago, MuchMany said:

Rough one. Eight available players with only two injuries is kind of embarrassing. It's a disservice to the guys who played tonight, who I thought battled pretty hard.

Sabol is one of the better freshmen shooters in the modern era at UB. Fulcher has tools to be a useful player once the game slows down for him. That's all I got.

Frustrated and disappointing on all levels. Even if a group of players are totally  inept offensively players should be able to defend with some intensity. A group of players with no defensive awareness and with coaches who have been around have no idea about X’s and O’s. Unless something changes with Alnutt and these coaches I can see the fan base looking like the fan bases at Canisius and Niagara when they were not competitive. We have seen crowds around the 500/600’s and many of the diehard fans not at games. This year Niagara is the only team that is showing some improvement. Our family are looking into some of the local high school games that look to be very competitive and enjoyable. The UB women seem to be our only hope for some good basketball but as usual no student attendance.