Buffalo pulls away in 2nd half, beats Montana State 80-73
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Lamonte Bearden scored 18 points and Buffalo pulled away midway through the second half for an 80-73 victory over Montana State on Saturday.
Bearden was 7 of 15 from the floor. Blake Hamilton added 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting for Buffalo (6-5).
Tyler Hall had 18 points and 11 rebounds with four assists to lead Montana State (5-6). Marcus Colbert chipped in 17 points and four assists.
Hall made a 3 to give Montana State a 51-50 lead with 13 minutes left. A 15-4 surge gave Buffalo a 65-55 lead midway through the second half. David Kadiri scored six points and Hamilton made a 3 during the span.
Stephan Holm's 3-pointer pulled the Bobcats to 73-68 with 1:26 left. The Bulls made 3 of 4 free throws, and Rodell Wigginton and Kadiri made jumps shots to stretch the lead to 80-71 with 18 seconds left.