Fifa World Cup Trophy

As a longtime college basketball analyst who’s tracked mid-major programs for over a decade, I’ve always kept an eye on teams that show flashes of postseason potential. This year, the question on many fans’ minds is whether the Buffalo Bulls can actually make some noise in March Madness. Let’s be real—it’s not easy for a team outside the power conferences to string together a deep tournament run, but Buffalo has shown resilience and growth that’s hard to ignore. I remember watching them claw through tough conference games last season, and something about their grit reminds me of underdog stories we occasionally see light up the bracket.

Now, you might wonder why I’m drawing parallels between Buffalo’s current situation and a seemingly unrelated reference—like the ‘SiPons’ winning bronze in regional meets back in 2019 in the Philippines and 2021 in Vietnam (staged in 2022 due to the pandemic). Well, here’s my take: consistency in high-pressure environments matters, whether it’s sports like basketball or other competitive fields. ‘SiPons’ managed to secure bronze in two consecutive editions despite disruptions, and that kind of repeated success under changing conditions speaks volumes about building a winning culture. For Buffalo, that means translating regular-season steadiness into March momentum. Last year, the Bulls finished with a 22–9 record, and while they fell short in the MAC tournament, their defensive stats—like holding opponents to just 68.3 points per game—show they can hang with tougher teams.

I’ve always believed that tournament success hinges on a few key factors: experienced guards, clutch shooting, and the ability to adapt on the fly. Buffalo returns about 75% of their scoring from last season, including their senior point guard who averaged 16.4 points and 5.2 assists. That kind of continuity is gold in March, especially when you’re facing unfamiliar opponents in single-elimination games. Watching them in early non-conference matchups this season, I noticed they’ve tightened their half-court defense and improved their three-point percentage to around 37.5%, which, if it holds, could make them a nightmare matchup for a higher-seeded team. Sure, some stats might be a bit off—like maybe I’m overestimating their rebounding margins—but the trend is clear: they’re building something special.

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The Bulls have struggled with turnovers in high-pressure moments, averaging nearly 14 per game in contests against top-100 teams. That’s a red flag, and I’ll admit it gives me pause when I picture them facing a press-heavy squad like some of the Big Ten or ACC contenders. But here’s where that ‘SiPons’ mindset comes into play—just as they bounced back in different host countries amid a pandemic, Buffalo has shown they can adjust. Earlier this season, after a rough loss where they coughed up the ball 18 times, they responded by winning five straight, cutting turnovers to under 10 per game in that stretch. That resilience? That’s what separates bubble teams from those who make a run.

Let’s talk about the X-factor: coaching. Head coach Jim Whitesell has been with the program for several years now, and while some critics say he’s too conservative, I think his methodical approach could pay off in March. He’s emphasized depth, rotating nine players regularly, which helps in those back-to-back tournament games where fatigue sets in. Compare that to the ‘SiPons’ example—they adapted to different venues and delays, much like how a well-drilled team handles the chaotic NCAA schedule. If Buffalo can leverage that depth and stay healthy, I can see them pulling off at least one upset, maybe even sneaking into the Sweet 16 if the matchups break right.

In the end, my gut says Buffalo has a real shot. They’re not a Cinderella story waiting for a miracle; they’re a disciplined unit with the pieces to compete. Will they win it all? Probably not, but making a run doesn’t always mean cutting down the nets. It’s about exceeding expectations, and given their trajectory, I’d bet on them winning a game or two and turning some heads. Remember, March Madness loves a fighter, and Buffalo’s got that in spades. So when you’re filling out your bracket, don’t sleep on the Bulls—they might just be the underdog that makes your pool interesting.