Buffalo has emerged as a prominent contender in the current basketball tournament, boasting a remarkable 12-1 record in nonconference games, including wins against Syracuse and West Virginia. A notable achievement is the team’s first-ever inclusion in the AP Top 25 rankings.
The team approaches the game from a unique perspective, emphasizing maintaining momentum throughout the season. Buffalo has established a strong presence since its debut in the NCAA tournament in 2015 under Bobby Hurley, a legacy continued by Nate Oats over the past four seasons. Notably, Buffalo swiftly climbed from 201st to 82nd place in Hurley’s debut year and has remained consistently strong ever since.
Despite facing teams with varied pacing strategies, Buffalo stands out with its offensive tempo and defensive pressure. The team’s average possession length and defensive tenacity set it apart from competitors. Buffalo is the only team under Oats to consistently excel at both offensive pace and defensive stops, showcasing an average possession time of 14.4 seconds this season, ranking eighth in NCAA pace.
