Buffalo at Arizona

The Buffalo Bulls at 26-8 and winners of the MAC Conference have had a historic season. Unfortunately, their draw against the 27-7 Arizona Wildcats is a huge mismatch. Buffalo is going to get a lot of play, as everyone remembers Arizona's early season struggles. Once ranked at the top of the country, Arizona opened the season at 3-3 and fell completely out of the top 25. Those issues were addressed and resolved quickly, but with seven losses they are grossly under-seeded. Since November 29th, only six teams have been better than the 23-4 mark Arizona has posted, and two of those teams are New Mexico State and St. Mary's - a team that did not even make it to the dance. Buffalo had five tough games outside of a weak MAC Conference where they went 0-5 SU vs. South Dakota State, Cincinnati, St. Bonaventure, Syracuse, and Texas AM. The Bulls lost these games by an average of 11 points per game, and arguably Arizona is the toughest of all, yet to come. If Arizona isn't the toughest, they are surely the toughest matchup. Ayton showed he is ready to perform on the big stage, averaging 32 ppg and 16 rpg in the final conference Championship games. Buffalo has nobody to guard him, with the 6'-8" Perkins the only Bull at 6'-8" in the top seven in the rotation, other than the reed-thin Harris at 6'-7" 177lbs. Arizona not only has Ayton, they have the 7' Ristic. Additionally the Wildcats' guards are all 6'-5" or better other than lightning quick play maker Cartwright. The Bulls shoot well, but against the five teams mentioned above, they shot an average of less than 40%, and averaged 15 turnovers per game. Arizona by team strength, should be a No. 2 seed, and will win this one handily. Play on Arizona.