- Buffalo Bulls enter with 27-7 record and MAC conference dominance
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights seek first postseason win since 2019
- 3-point defense gap could decide tournament outcome
- Western New York hosts marquee NIT matchup after $12M arena upgrades
The Buffalo Bulls bring their best season in program history to Sunday's National Invitation Tournament matchup against Rutgers, having dominated Mid-American Conference opponents with a 14-6 league record. Their 13-1 non-conference performance included wins against three Power Five programs, showcasing their ability to compete nationally. Head coach Becky Burke's squad averages 69.7 points in their last 10 games while holding opponents to 41% shooting from the field.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights arrive with momentum from their first tournament appearance in five years, despite a challenging 3-16 Big Ten record. The Scarlet Knights' physical style creates second-chance opportunities through 11.8 offensive rebounds per game, led by forward Chyna Cornwell's 3.9 offensive boards. This grit will test Buffalo's defense that allows just 64 points per contest during their current 7-3 stretch.
Three critical factors could determine Sunday's outcome:
- Buffalo's perimeter defense holding Rutgers below their 5.6 three-point average
- Rebounding battle between MAC Player of Year candidate Kirsten Lewis-Williams (5.4 RPG) and Rutgers' Destiny Adams (9.8 RPG)
- Bench production from Buffalo's three-point specialist Chellia Watson (1.7 3PM/L10 games)
The NIT's revised format provides mid-major programs like Buffalo increased exposure, with ESPN reporting a 17% viewership increase for early-round games since 2022. Tournament organizers have strategically scheduled regional matchups to boost attendance – a tactic paying dividends in Buffalo where ticket sales surpassed 8,500 within 24 hours of announcement.
Regional Impact Analysis: Sunday's game marks Western New York's first NIT host opportunity since the KeyBank Center's $12 million basketball-specific renovations. Local tourism officials project $2.3 million in economic impact from visiting fans, building on Buffalo's growing reputation as a college sports destination following successful NCAA hockey regional tournaments.