Central Michigan Tops Buffalo in Close Contest
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Broadview Arena
Central Michigan Chippewas 75, Buffalo Bulls 70, 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 Central Michigan Chippewas vs Buffalo Bulls?
Central Michigan Chippewas beat Buffalo Bulls 75-70 at Broadview Arena on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Central Michigan Chippewas vs Buffalo Bulls?
Buffalo Bulls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Central Michigan Chippewas defeated the Buffalo Bulls 75-70 at Broadview Arena. This game was significant as it showcased the competitive nature of both teams within the NCAAB landscape, particularly with Buffalo entering the game with a home record of 16-13 and Central Michigan at 10-19 overall. The Bulls were looking to improve their recent form, which had seen them struggle with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, while the Chippewas aimed to build on a slightly better 4-6 record in the same span.
Buffalo's recent performance has been marked by inconsistency, averaging 74.6 points scored and 78.3 points allowed over their last ten games. Their last five games yielded a 2-3 record, with notable results including a loss to the Akron Zips (85-99) and a win against the Massachusetts Minutemen (86-82). In contrast, Central Michigan, despite their overall struggles, had been more effective on offense recently, averaging 76.9 points scored while allowing 71.4 points during their last ten games. Their last five games also resulted in a 2-3 record, highlighted by a strong win against the Northern Illinois Huskies (88-46).
The home and away records further illustrate the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Buffalo's home record was a disappointing 0-5 in their last five home games, while Central Michigan had struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-5 in their last five games. This matchup was also notable as it marked the third meeting between the two teams in the 2025 season, with Buffalo winning the previous encounter 75-69 at home and losing the earlier one 69-73 away.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any players missing from either team, which suggests both squads were at full strength for this critical matchup. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Buffalo favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 151.5. The odds reflected a belief in Buffalo's ability to perform at home, despite their recent struggles.
The conditions in Broadview Arena were conducive to a competitive game, with both teams eager to secure a victory. As the game progressed, Central Michigan's Nick Mullen played a pivotal role, making key free throws that extended their lead late in the second half. Mullen's contributions included making two free throws, bringing the score to 71-65 in favor of the Chippewas. Ryan Sabol also made a crucial three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 71-68, but Buffalo could not regain control.
Ultimately, Central Michigan's ability to capitalize on free throws and maintain composure in the closing moments allowed them to secure the victory, despite Buffalo's efforts to rally back. The final score of 75-70 reflects the competitive spirit of both teams and sets the stage for their future encounters.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUF -5.5 | 151.5 o -108 / u -112 | Central Michigan Chippewas +220 · Buffalo Bulls -270 |
Leaders
- PointsRyan Sabol17Buffalo Bulls
- AssistsAngelo Brizzi6Buffalo Bulls
- ReboundsRyan Sabol4Buffalo Bulls
- PointsTamario Adley21Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsPhat Phat Brooks8Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsKeenan Garner10Central Michigan Chippewas
Recent form
Buffalo Bulls
Last 10: 3-7Streak L174.6 scored · 78.3 allowed per game0-5 at home
- L85-99at Akron ZipsFeb 25
- W86-82at Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 21
- L70-72vs Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 17
- W63-53at Ball State CardinalsFeb 12
- L69-81at South Alabama JaguarsFeb 7
- L71-73vs Miami (OH) RedHawksFeb 3
- L83-95vs Ohio BobcatsJan 31
- W89-78at Bowling Green FalconsJan 28
- L67-68vs Massachusetts MinutemenJan 24
- L63-82vs Akron ZipsJan 20
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 4-6Streak L176.9 scored · 71.4 allowed per game0-5 away
- L81-83at Kent State Golden FlashesFeb 25
- W83-70vs Western Michigan BroncosFeb 21
- L54-66at Eastern Michigan EaglesFeb 17
- W88-46vs Northern Illinois HuskiesFeb 14
- L80-85at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsFeb 7
- L89-95at Massachusetts MinutemenFeb 4
- W62-59vs Bowling Green FalconsFeb 1
- W100-65vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 28
- L65-77at Western Michigan BroncosJan 24
- L67-68vs Ball State CardinalsJan 21
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 | Central Michigan Chippewas | Buffalo Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-55 | 28-59 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 9-22 | 8-23 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 35 |
| Free throws | 14-17 | 6-9 |
| Free throw % | 82 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 17 |
| Assists | 18 | 18 |
| Steals | 4 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 40 |
| Fouls | 11 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 16 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 70 | 26 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-31Jalen Kampen makes 24-foot three point jumper (Keenan Garner assists)
- 2nd Half47-31Nick Mullen makes layup
- 2nd Half47-32Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-33Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-33Jaxson Whitaker makes layup
- 2nd Half49-35Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup (Angelo Brizzi assists)
- 2nd Half49-37Ezra McKenna makes layup (Noah Batchelor assists)
- 2nd Half49-39Derrick Talton Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half52-39Logan McIntire makes 26-foot three point jumper (Keenan Garner assists)
- 2nd Half52-41Kyle Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half53-41Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-43Kyle Jones makes layup (Angelo Brizzi assists)
- 2nd Half53-45Angelo Brizzi makes layup
- 2nd Half56-45Logan McIntire makes 27-foot three point jumper (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 2nd Half56-48Ryan Sabol makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kyle Jones assists)
- 2nd Half56-49Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-50Angelo Brizzi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-50Tamario Adley makes 26-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half59-53Ryan Sabol makes 27-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half61-53Phat Phat Brooks makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-53Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-53Tamario Adley makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-54Noah Batchelor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-55Noah Batchelor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-55Nathan Claerbaut makes 10-foot jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half67-55Nathan Claerbaut makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-58Noah Batchelor makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derrick Talton Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half67-60Ryan Sabol makes layup
- 2nd Half68-60Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-63Ezra McKenna makes 25-foot three point jumper (Angelo Brizzi assists)
- 2nd Half69-63Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-65Angelo Brizzi makes layup
- 2nd Half70-65Nick Mullen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-65Nick Mullen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-68Ryan Sabol makes 25-foot three point jumper (Noah Batchelor assists)
- 2nd Half72-68Tamario Adley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-68Tamario Adley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-70Angelo Brizzi makes layup
- 2nd Half74-70Tamario Adley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-70Tamario Adley makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Buffalo Bulls, below favours Central Michigan Chippewas.
Venue
- Broadview ArenaBuffalo, NY
- Attendance2499
- OfficialsGreg Langsdorf, Josh White, Johnee Gleich
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