Western New Yorkers love Buffalo sports. While other areas of the country may ignore this great city, many locals are infatuated with its regional teams. So here it is: The BV’s take on all things Buffalo sports.
Sabres
A hockey tradition continues in the Queen City – losing. Going into Thursday night’s game against Arizona, the Sabres have won just one of their last 11 games. Normally a blurb on a losing streak would go here, but at this point in the Sabres’ season, a losing streak is a given. However, in a rare bright spot, Buffalo was able to top Boston by a score of 2-1 in a shoot out on St. Patrick’s Day.
But the bright spots end there. Not only have the Sabres posted the lowest point total in the NHL (47), the team also has the worst point differential in the league at -107. As Buffalo’s season comes to a trudging close, their hopes of drafting prospects Conor McDavid or Jack Eichel are increasing by the day. Even if the Sabres don’t secure the first pick of the 2015 draft, general manager Tim Murray stated that the franchise will find a way via trade to get one of the young studs.
UB Men’s Basketball
After making the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history, the Bulls made an early exit as the team fell to West Virginia in the first round 68-62. Their tourney outcome may disappoint Bulls fans, but much should be said about UB’s season. The Bulls posted a 23-10 overall record and were 12-6 in Mid-American Conference play – good enough to capture the East title. The Bulls even beat Kentucky 38-32 (well, in the first half at least).
UB’s success should continue next season as junior forward Justin Moss will return for hopefully another elite season. Moss averaged 17.5 points per game, as well as 9.2 boards per game. With a more polished Moss, and another 15 points per game season from sophomore Shannon Evans, the Bulls will be the favorites to win the MAC Conference once again.
Amid concern that other schools would actively try to lure Coach Bobby Hurley away from UB, the school reached a deal with Hurley to renegotiate his contract. It is expected that he will be the highest-paid coach in the Mid-American Conference.
Bills
The Buffalo Bills added another weapon to their constantly developing offense this week in tight end Charles Clay. Clay has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins and last season and recorded 58 catches for 605 yards and three touchdowns. Clay signed a five-year, $38 million contract. Between Clay, LeSean McCoy, Percy Harvin, Matt Cassel, Richie Incognito, and head coach Rex Ryan, the Bills have made more major offseason moves in one month than all of last year. With all of these additions to a unit that was near the bottom of the league last year, the offense should be at least respectable going into next season.
