Buffalo Bulls Defeat Western Michigan Broncos 88-71
Saturday, December 20, 2025, 1:00 PM ET · University Arena (MI)
Buffalo Bulls 88, Western Michigan Broncos 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Buffalo Bulls vs Western Michigan Broncos?
Buffalo Bulls beat Western Michigan Broncos 88-71 at University Arena (MI) on December 20, 2025.
Who was favored in Buffalo Bulls vs Western Michigan Broncos?
Buffalo Bulls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Buffalo Bulls triumphed over the Western Michigan Broncos with a final score of 88-71 at the University Arena in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This victory extends Buffalo's strong season, improving their record to 11-2, while Western Michigan falls to 5-8. The Bulls showcased their offensive prowess throughout the game, maintaining a scoring average of 76.7 points per game over their last ten outings, while the Broncos have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 80.3 points during the same stretch.
Buffalo entered the game with a solid away record of 5-1, reflecting their ability to perform on the road. Conversely, Western Michigan has had a mixed home record of 3-1, but their recent form has been concerning, as they have lost their last game against the Iowa Hawkeyes by a significant margin of 51-91. Over their last ten games, the Broncos have managed to win only four, with an average of 74.2 points scored, but they have been outscored by their opponents, leading to a negative scoring differential.
The game featured notable scoring plays, including a 28-foot three-pointer by Jalen Griffith, which highlighted Buffalo's offensive capabilities in the second half. Griffith's contributions, along with Ezra McKenna and Ryan Sabol's free throws, helped solidify Buffalo's lead as they pulled away in the final minutes of the game. The Bulls' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities was evident, with Sabol converting multiple attempts down the stretch.
In terms of previous meetings, this matchup marked the third encounter between the two teams in the 2025 season, with Buffalo now holding a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head record. Earlier this season, Buffalo had already defeated Western Michigan decisively on February 19, winning 97-64, and also won their first encounter on January 18 with a score of 85-76.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Buffalo favored by 2.5 points, indicating confidence in their performance against Western Michigan. The total points set at 150.5 reflects expectations for a high-scoring game, which ultimately proved accurate given the final score.
The game took place under typical indoor basketball conditions, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans and analysts alike were keen to observe how Western Michigan would respond to their recent struggles and whether they could contain Buffalo's offensive threats. However, Buffalo's consistent scoring and defensive efforts ultimately led them to a comfortable victory.
Overall, Buffalo's performance not only showcased their strengths but also highlighted the challenges facing Western Michigan as they seek to improve their standing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUF -2.5 | 150.5 o -112 / u -108 | Buffalo Bulls -135 · Western Michigan Broncos +114 |
Leaders
- PointsJalen Griffith18Western Michigan Broncos
- AssistsEJ Ryans6Western Michigan Broncos
- ReboundsJayden Brewer7Western Michigan Broncos
- PointsDaniel Freitag20Buffalo Bulls
- AssistsDaniel Freitag6Buffalo Bulls
- ReboundsTim Oboh13Buffalo Bulls
Recent form
Western Michigan Broncos
Last 10: 4-6Streak L174.2 scored · 80.3 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L51-91at Iowa HawkeyesDec 14
- W83-73at SIU Edwardsville CougarsDec 6
- W88-74vs Southern Indiana Screaming EaglesDec 4
- L55-84at Valparaiso BeaconsNov 29
- W83-60vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersNov 23
- L58-91at Ohio State BuckeyesNov 21
- L78-83at South Dakota CoyotesNov 16
- W83-71vs Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsNov 13
- L82-91at Campbell Fighting CamelsNov 9
- L81-85vs Northwood TimberwolvesNov 7
Buffalo Bulls
Last 10: 8-2Streak L176.7 scored · 70.6 allowed per game4-1 away
- L70-73at East Carolina PiratesDec 14
- W83-79at UMBC RetrieversDec 9
- L69-77vs St. Bonaventure BonniesDec 6
- W71-53at Canisius Golden GriffinsNov 29
- W73-71at Bucknell BisonNov 26
- W78-70vs VMI KeydetsNov 24
- W94-90vs Vermont CatamountsNov 18
- W80-64vs RIT TigersNov 15
- W66-53at DePaul Blue DemonsNov 12
- W83-76vs Green Bay PhoenixNov 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Buffalo Bulls | Western Michigan Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-59 | 26-66 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 12-32 | 10-33 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 30 |
| Free throws | 18-24 | 9-12 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 23 |
| Assists | 15 | 18 |
| Steals | 5 | 2 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 4 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 4 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 26 |
| Fouls | 11 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 18 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 87 | 6 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half51-36Mikhail Pocknett makes layup
- 2nd Half51-38Michael Sulaka makes 6-foot hook shot (Hudson Ward assists)
- 2nd Half51-41Hudson Ward makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Griffith assists)
- 2nd Half53-41Ezra McKenna makes 4-foot hook shot (Ryan Sabol assists)
- 2nd Half55-41Angelo Brizzi makes layup
- 2nd Half58-41Angelo Brizzi makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ryan Sabol assists)
- 2nd Half58-43Hudson Ward makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Jalen Griffith assists)
- 2nd Half58-44Jayden Brewer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-45Jayden Brewer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-47Jayden Brewer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-48Jayden Brewer makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-48Mikhail Pocknett makes layup
- 2nd Half61-48Tim Oboh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-50Declan Peterson makes 3-foot dunk (EJ Ryans assists)
- 2nd Half63-50Tim Oboh makes layup
- 2nd Half63-53Hudson Ward makes 23-foot three point jumper (EJ Ryans assists)
- 2nd Half65-53Daniel Freitag makes driving layup
- 2nd Half65-56Jalen Griffith makes 23-foot three point jumper (EJ Ryans assists)
- 2nd Half68-56Daniel Freitag makes 24-foot three point jumper (Noah Batchelor assists)
- 2nd Half68-58Jayden Brewer makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half70-58Daniel Freitag makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-60Jayden Brewer makes layup (Jalen Griffith assists)
- 2nd Half70-61Jayden Brewer makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-61Ezra McKenna makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half73-64Trey Lewis makes 23-foot three point jumper (EJ Ryans assists)
- 2nd Half75-64Ezra McKenna makes layup
- 2nd Half78-64Ezra McKenna makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ryan Sabol assists)
- 2nd Half78-66Jalen Griffith makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half79-66Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-66Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-66Daniel Freitag makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-66Daniel Freitag makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-69Jalen Griffith makes 28-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half82-71Jalen Griffith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half83-71Ezra McKenna makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-71Ezra McKenna makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-71Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half86-71Ryan Sabol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-71Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-71Ryan Sabol makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Michigan Broncos, below favours Buffalo Bulls.
Venue
- University Arena (MI)Kalamazoo, MI
- Attendance1403
- OfficialsTodd Von Sossan, Bryan Anslinger, Galen Durant
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond