Hopes are high as UB enters the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament for the first time. The Bulls have been slotted as the 12th-seed in the Midwest Region, a position that has enjoyed success in recent tournaments.
On Friday in Columbus, Ohio, UB will face West Virginia, a traditional basketball power. But a review of recent tournaments may encourage fans.
In the the last 14 NCAA tournaments, the the 12th-seed has beaten the fifth-seed 26 times.
West Virginia finished the season with a a record of 23 wins and nine losses while playing in the powerful Big 12 Conference. The Mountaineers have played in two Final Fours, most recently in 2010.
The Bulls also feature a record of 23-and-nine. They beat Central Michigan Saturday night to win the Mid-American Conference Tournament and an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The win was their eighth consecutive victory.
Leading the way for UB will be senior Xavier Ford, who was named the MVP of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. The Bulls could benefit from a few days away from the court. Justin Moss, who was named the conference Player of the Year, was hobbled by an ankle injury during the team's tournament run.