Massachusetts Edges Buffalo in Nail-Biter Finish
Friday, January 23, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Broadview Arena
Massachusetts Minutemen 68, Buffalo Bulls 67, 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 Massachusetts Minutemen vs Buffalo Bulls?
Massachusetts Minutemen beat Buffalo Bulls 68-67 at Broadview Arena on January 23, 2026.
Who was favored in Massachusetts Minutemen vs Buffalo Bulls?
Buffalo Bulls were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Broadview Arena, the Massachusetts Minutemen narrowly defeated the Buffalo Bulls with a final score of 68-67. This game was particularly significant as both teams entered with identical records of 13 wins and 8 losses, making the stakes high for both sides in the NCAAB landscape.
The Buffalo Bulls have been struggling recently, entering the game on a four-game losing streak. Their last ten games have seen them achieve a record of 5-5, with an average of 82.5 points scored per game while allowing 79.0. Despite their scoring prowess, their defensive issues have cost them dearly, as reflected in their recent performances. In their last five games, they averaged 82.2 points but allowed a staggering 87.4 points, indicating a significant defensive vulnerability. Their recent results include a loss to the Akron Zips (63-82) and a narrow defeat against the Miami (OH) RedHawks (102-105).
Conversely, the Massachusetts Minutemen have shown a more balanced form, also recording a 5-5 record in their last ten games but coming off a victory against the Toledo Rockets (84-82). They have averaged 82.6 points per game while allowing 77.6, showcasing a slightly more robust defense compared to Buffalo. Their last five games reflect a record of 3-2, with an average of 79.8 points scored and 78.2 allowed. This indicates that while they are capable of scoring, they too have faced challenges on the defensive end.
When looking at home and away performances, the Bulls have a home record of 2-2 in their last four games at Broadview Arena, while the Minutemen have a better away record of 3-2 in their last five games on the road. This home advantage, however, did not translate into success for Buffalo in this particular contest.
The matchup also featured a notable injury picture, although specific details were not provided in the block. The absence of key players can often shift the dynamics in such closely contested games, but both teams appeared to field their strongest lineups.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings had the Bulls favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 159.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of the teams' performances leading up to the game. The home moneyline was listed at -125.0, while the away moneyline stood at 105.0, further emphasizing the expected tight contest.
The conditions at the Broadview Arena were conducive for a high-scoring affair, with both teams known for their offensive capabilities. As the game progressed, it was evident that the contest would come down to the wire, with scoring plays becoming increasingly critical in the final moments.
Key moments in the second half included a 12-foot jumper by Jayden Ndjigue, which tied the game at 63. Daniel Freitag then contributed significantly with free throws, pushing Buffalo ahead momentarily. However, the Minutemen responded with free throws from Daniel Hankins-Sanford, which tied the game again at 65. A crucial tip-in layup by Freitag gave Buffalo a brief lead, but Leonardo Bettiol's layup and subsequent free throw sealed the victory for Massachusetts.
In the end, the Minutemen's ability to execute under pressure and capitalize on late-game opportunities proved decisive, as they managed to edge out the Bulls in a contest marked by fluctuating leads and intense competition. The final score reflected the tightly contested nature of the game, with both teams showcasing their offensive strengths but ultimately, Massachusetts emerged victorious.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BUF -1.5 | 159.5 o -108 / u -112 | Massachusetts Minutemen +105 · Buffalo Bulls -125 |
Leaders
- PointsRyan Sabol27Buffalo Bulls
- AssistsDaniel Freitag7Buffalo Bulls
- ReboundsMikhail Pocknett6Buffalo Bulls
- PointsMarcus Banks Jr.19Massachusetts Minutemen
- AssistsDanny Carbuccia6Massachusetts Minutemen
- ReboundsDaniel Hankins-Sanford10Massachusetts Minutemen
Recent form
Buffalo Bulls
Last 10: 5-5Streak L482.5 scored · 79 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L63-82vs Akron ZipsJan 20
- L102-105at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 17
- L81-87vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 13
- L80-91at Ohio BobcatsJan 10
- W85-72vs Ball State CardinalsJan 3
- W81-67at Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 31
- W92-63vs Penn State Behrend LionsDec 22
- W88-71at Western Michigan BroncosDec 20
- L70-73at East Carolina PiratesDec 14
- W83-79at UMBC RetrieversDec 9
Massachusetts Minutemen
Last 10: 5-5Streak W182.6 scored · 77.6 allowed per game2-3 away
- W84-82vs Toledo RocketsJan 20
- L68-70at Northern Illinois HuskiesJan 17
- W85-82at Western Michigan BroncosJan 14
- W79-71vs Ball State CardinalsJan 10
- L83-86at Ohio BobcatsJan 6
- L100-101vs Bowling Green FalconsJan 3
- L74-80at Eastern Michigan EaglesDec 31
- W91-40vs UMass Boston BeaconsDec 22
- L59-69vs Kent State Golden FlashesDec 20
- W103-95at Florida State SeminolesDec 13
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 | Massachusetts Minutemen | Buffalo Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-58 | 26-52 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 6-20 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 32 |
| Free throws | 10-16 | 7-14 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 50 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 23 |
| Assists | 13 | 17 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 15 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 30 |
| Fouls | 13 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 78 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half36-26Ryan Sabol makes 32-foot three point jumper
- 1st Half38-26Marcus Banks Jr. makes 12-foot jumper
- 1st Half38-29Ryan Sabol makes 25-foot three point jumper (Daniel Freitag assists)
- 2nd Half38-32Noah Batchelor makes 26-foot three point jumper (Angelo Brizzi assists)
- 2nd Half39-32Marcus Banks Jr. makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half40-32Marcus Banks Jr. makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half41-32Marcus Banks Jr. makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half43-32Marcus Banks Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half43-33Daniel Freitag makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-34Daniel Freitag makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-36Ryan Sabol makes layup (Angelo Brizzi assists)
- 2nd Half45-36Leonardo Bettiol makes layup (Danny Carbuccia assists)
- 2nd Half47-36Daniel Hankins-Sanford makes layup (Leonardo Bettiol assists)
- 2nd Half47-38Daniel Freitag makes layup
- 2nd Half50-38Marcus Banks Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Danny Carbuccia assists)
- 2nd Half50-41Ryan Sabol makes 24-foot three point jumper (Daniel Freitag assists)
- 2nd Half50-43Ryan Sabol makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half50-45Mikhail Pocknett makes layup (Daniel Freitag assists)
- 2nd Half52-45K'Jei Parker makes 20-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-47Mikhail Pocknett makes layup
- 2nd Half54-47Leonardo Bettiol makes layup (Danny Carbuccia assists)
- 2nd Half54-49Daniel Freitag makes layup (Ryan Sabol assists)
- 2nd Half54-51Noah Batchelor makes layup (Ryan Sabol assists)
- 2nd Half54-52Ryan Sabol makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-53Ryan Sabol makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-56Ryan Sabol makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ezra McKenna assists)
- 2nd Half54-58Noah Batchelor makes 11-foot jumper (Ryan Sabol assists)
- 2nd Half54-61Ryan Sabol makes 25-foot three point jumper (Daniel Freitag assists)
- 2nd Half56-61Leonardo Bettiol makes layup (Marcus Banks Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Daniel Hankins-Sanford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Danny Carbuccia assists)
- 2nd Half59-63Ryan Sabol makes 15-foot jumper (Daniel Freitag assists)
- 2nd Half61-63Daniel Hankins-Sanford makes layup
- 2nd Half63-63Jayden Ndjigue makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half63-64Daniel Freitag makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half63-65Daniel Freitag makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half64-65Daniel Hankins-Sanford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-65Daniel Hankins-Sanford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-67Daniel Freitag makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half67-67Leonardo Bettiol makes layup
- 2nd Half68-67Leonardo Bettiol makes free throw 1 of 1
Win probability
Above the line favours Buffalo Bulls, below favours Massachusetts Minutemen.
Venue
- Broadview ArenaBuffalo, NY
- Attendance2310
- OfficialsTony Meeks, Anthony Burris, Sutton Simon
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