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5 Things to Know Before WVU vs. Buffalo

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West Virginia will host Buffalo on Sunday night at the WVU Coliseum in one of the final non-conference games for the Mountaineers. Let’s take a look at five things to know before the game.

Meet the Opponent: Buffalo

Buffalo comes into Sunday’s contest 5-5 with notable wins over St. Bonaventure and George Mason. Head coach James Whitesell is in his fourth season with the Bulls.

WVU head coach Bob Huggins credited this Buffalo group to have big guards and to be competitive. Buffalo is led by guard duo Curtis Jones and Yazid Powell. Jones averages 15.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Powell averages 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The Bulls have one guard under 6-foot-4 in their rotation.

No Massinburg for Bulls this Time

The last time Buffalo played at the coliseum, CJ Massinburg recorded 43 points and 14 rebounds in an all-time performance in 2018. The Bulls defeated West Virginia 99-94 in overtime.

Luckily for WVU, Massinburg has graduated since 2019 and is now playing professionally. Buffalo head coach, at the time, Nate Oats is now at Alabama.

West Virginia leads the all-time series 2-1.

Despite End of Fall Semester, No Perez for WVU

On Friday night, WVU transfer guard Jose Perez’s waiver was denied by the NCAA. West Virginia University’s fall semester ended this week, making Perez eligible to start practicing on Saturday.

Sources tell WV Sports Now that WVU’s program will appeal the decision. As of right now, Perez will be eligible to play for the Mountaineers next season.

Betting Lines

The spread for the West Virginia-Buffalo game is -19.5 WVU. The over/under is set at 154.0.

Where to Watch

West Virginia and Buffalo will tip off at 5 p.m. inside the WVU Coliseum on Sunday. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

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