NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion extended its home winning streak to 26 games, which is now tied for the fifth longest streak in the country with Kansas, after defeating Buffalo by a score of 77-58 on Monday night at the Ted Constant Convocation Center in front of a crowd of 6,906.
ODU (2-0) used 53.5 percent shooting from the field and 64.3 percent from beyond the arc, while holding Buffalo (1-1), an NCAA Tournament team a year ago, to just 30.8 percent shooting from the field and 18.8 percent from the three-point line.
Four of the five ODU starters finished with double figures, led by Trey Freeman's (4 rebs and 4 assts) game-high 22 points, 18 of which game in the first half. Brandan Stith was one rebound shy of a double-double with a career high of 15 points and nine rebounds. Jordan Baker (2 assists) added 10 points and a career high eight boards, while Aaron Bacote added 11 points, three rebounds, two steals and an assist. Freshman Ahmad Caver chipped in nine points (3-4 3PT), four rebounds and four assists. Nik Biberaj dished out a career high five assists to go along with six points and two blocks.
All nine Monarchs that played on Monday night logged double digit minutes. The only time the Bulls held a lead was at the 18:16 mark of the first half, when they went ahead 2-1.
The Monarchs held the Bulls to 1-10 shooting in the opening seven minutes, while taking a 17-5 lead off a Baker three-pointer. Freeman was the first to record double-figures, as he netted 13 points in the first eight minutes of the first half on 6-7 shooting from the floor.
Old Dominion held a 37-20 advantage into the locker rooms at halftime, behind 60% shooting from the floor and 62.5% shooting from deep. Buffalo was held to 22.6% (7-31) shooting from the floor and 12.5% (1-8) from three-point range.
With 15:39 to play in the second half, Old Dominion held onto a 45-27 lead, before extending its advantage to 25 (59-34) with 10:12 remaining in regulation. The Monarchs would take their largest lead of the contest at the 7:14 mark after a Baker three gave them a 67-41 lead, before ultimately claiming a 77-58 victory on Monday night at the Ted.
Jarryn Skeete was the only Bull in double figures with 12 points.
ODU’s last loss home loss was on Feb. 22, 2014 at the hands of LA Tech, 71-66.
NEXT UP FOR THE BASKETBALL MONARCHS
Old Dominion completes its third straight game at home to open the 2015-16 regular season on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m., when they welcome Morgan State. On Nov. 21 and 22, the squad will trek to Uncasville, Conn. to wrap-up competition in the 2015 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament, which features a matchup with nationally ranked Purdue on Saturday and then either Florida or St. Joseph’s on Sunday.
The 2015 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame Tip-Off Tournament HOMEPAGE: http://www.halloffametipoff.com/
DON’T MISS THE ACTION!
Monarch basketball season tickets are on sale now for the 2015-16 season at YNottix.com or by calling the box office 757-683-4444.
TICKETS (Single Game)
Adult Lower Bowl - $1
Adult Club - $31
Military/Seniors/Youth/Faculty Staff - $15
Group pricing available by calling Todd McKeating at 757-683-7087
WHAT A DEAL! - VOUCHER BOOKS
Get 10 tickets to use at any home ODU basketball games during the 2015-16 regular season. Use them all at one game to bring family and friends, or spread them out over the season. The choice is yours! The price is $120 for a men’s basketball voucher book. That’s a $50 savings over purchasing at the ticket window. Plus the first 200 fans that purchase will get an ODU UnderArmour Team Visor. Purchase now at www.ynottix.com.
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