Buffalo, NY – Buffalo adjusted their defense in the second half to help them remain undefeated with a 73-65 win over Southern Illinois. Despite a quick start, Buffalo was in a battle and had to pull out all stops to beat the Salukis. The Bulls rode their defense early and opened up a large lead but watched it dissipate as Southern Illinois went to a 2-3 zone defense. The Salukis confused the Bulls and only trailed by five at halftime.
Buffalo came out strong to start the second half but Southern Illinois kept cutting into the lead. The Bulls made every defensive stop late in the game they needed to, went inside when a basket was needed and held on for the win.
Buffalo was led by senior Nick Perkins who had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Perkins is strong inside and knows how to use his body down low. He has three point range and is efficient with his shot. Perkins plays physical defense and rebounds well on both ends. He knows how to pass out of the double team and can run the floor better than many big men. Perkins boxes out well and held the SIU center Kavion Pippen to zero rebounds.
C.J. Massinburg added 14 points for the Bulls. While not one of his bigger scoring games, he showed his all around play by taking charges, getting in front of and deflecting passes, making excellent passes offensively and running the team when he didn’t have shots. His shot is excellent and he has pro three point range. Massinburg needs to continue to display his all-around game to show his skills off to the NBA scouts who were in attendance today.
Southern Illinois was led by senior guard Sean Lloyd Jr. who had 14 points and six rebounds. Lloyd has good size for a guard, can score inside and out and is an excellent free throw shooter. He rebounds his position better than most guards and moves well without the ball. Defense is his calling card. He plays his man very well and plays excellent help defense. He has quick, active hands and gets to the ball. Lloyd Jr. is one of the better defensive guards in the NCAA.
This article was written by Richard Anselmo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
