Buzzer Beater Stuns Bison, Buffalo Ends Bucknell Comeback Bid
Daniel Freitag banked in a running shot as time expired, lifting undefeated Buffalo to a 73 71 victory over Bucknell on November 26 at the Skechers Fort Myers Challenge. The last second loss halted a spirited Bucknell rally from a 13 point halftime deficit, and leaves the Bison regrouping as they return to Sojka Pavilion for nonconference play.
Daniel Freitag's last second bank shot sent Buffalo into celebration and left Bucknell stunned, as the Bulls survived a furious second half comeback to win 73 71 on Wednesday at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. The finish spoiled a career high 20 point performance from Brandon McCreesh and erased a 13 point halftime deficit that Bucknell had clawed back through sustained hot shooting.
Bucknell's comeback was led by McCreesh, who hit six for ten from three point range and provided a burst of scoring that helped the Bison erase Buffalo's 45 to 32 halftime lead. Amon Dörries added 13 points, Pat Curtin contributed 12 including two clutch free throws with 5.5 seconds left, and Grgur Brcic posted a season high ten points plus seven rebounds. Achile Spadone and Jayden Williams bolstered the effort with rebounds and playmaking, Williams setting a new career high with seven assists.
Buffalo, now 7 to 0 on the season, received a 25 point night from Angelo Brizzi, and support from Friday and Noah Batchelor. Freitag finished with 18 points and nine rebounds, and Brizzi made several late plays that kept the Bulls within reach during the Bison surge. The teams traded runs through the second half, with Bucknell shooting 52 percent after intermission and draining ten of 27 attempts from beyond the arc. Buffalo finished 11 for 28 from three point range and converted 14 of 19 free throws.
Statistically Bucknell outrebounded Buffalo 35 to 29, and the Bison committed 11 turnovers to the Bulls eight. Bucknell missed key free throws late that might have extended the lead, and after Curtin tied the game from the line, Freitag split defenders and banked the winning shot as the clock expired.
For Union County and the Lewisburg community, the game underscores both the excitement and the strain of a national schedule on student athletes. After four straight road games, the team returned to Sojka Pavilion on Sunday to resume nonconference play, bringing local fans an opportunity for direct support as players recover from travel and tough losses. The narrow defeat will test team resilience and coaching adjustments, while spotlighting the importance of mental health resources, equitable support for student athletes, and community engagement as the season progresses.
