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UB, Niagara accept invitations to WNIT

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — UB and Niagara women’s basketball aren’t done playing quite yet.

The Bulls and Purple Eagles will both participate in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, which begins play on Wednesday.

Niagara accepted its second consecutive bid as an automatic qualifier for being the runner-up in the MAAC conference tournament, while UB was invited as an at-large qualifier.

Both teams came up just short in their respective conference tournaments after solid regular seasons. The Purple Eagles (20-13) heartbreakingly fell in the MAAC championship game, losing to nationally-ranked Fairfield 70-62 in overtime on Saturday. Meanwhile, a poor second half doomed the Bulls (19-13) on Saturday, losing 78-60 to Kent State in the MAC title game.

The WNIT bracket and round-one game times will be announced Monday.

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Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here.

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Daemen basketball teams advance in NCAA D2 tournament

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — While Western New York’s Big 4 basketball teams had their Big Dance dreams dashed during conference championship week, both of Daemen University’s teams moved on in the NCAA Division II tournament.

The women’s basketball team advanced to the East Regional final with two victories against higher-seeded opponents in Waltham, Massachusetts. Beating No. 3-seed St. Rose, 52-47, on Friday, and No. 2 Assumption, 68-58, on Saturday, the Wildcats (22-8) have now won six games in the past four NCAA tournaments under coach Jenepher Banker. Daemen will meet No. 1 Bentley (27-6), the regional host, at 7 p.m. Monday for a berth in the NCAA quarterfinals.

Daemen’s men’s basketball team won 74-66 in its opening-round matchup against Jefferson in Colchester, Vermont. The No. 4-seed Wildcats (25-8) will play host Saint Michaels (23-8) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the regional semifinals.


MacDonald father and son embracing last March together at Daemen

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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.

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Reggie Witherspoon done at Canisius after 8 seasons as basketball coach

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Reggie Witherspoon will not return as men’s basketball coach at Canisius University. The Golden Griffins announced Saturday that Witherspoon and athletic director Bill Maher have “agreed to mutually part ways,” after seven seasons.

“In Reggie Witherspoon’s eight years as the head coach of Canisius men’s basketball, he led our program with class and integrity, instilling these important values in his student-athletes,” Maher said in a news release.

Witherspoon went 108-130 at Canisius, after compiling a 198-228 record for University at Buffalo from 1999-2013. A Sweet Home High School graduate, he also coached his alma mater, and at Erie Community College.

“I have known Reggie for more than 25 years, having worked with him for at least half of that time,” said Maher, whose time in UB’s athletics department coincided with Witherspoon’s arrival as coach. “The importance of the team, and the development of the young men in our program, has always been his primary focus. I am grateful for his positive impact on the Canisius campus and the broader Western New York basketball community. I thank Reggie, Dawn and the entire extended Witherspoon family for their time at Canisius.”

Canisius finished this season at 14-18 with a loss to top-seeded Quinnipiac in the MAAC quarterfinals. It was the fourth losing season in five years. The Griffs won a regular season championship in 2018 but never reached the conference semifinals under Witherspoon.

Maher said a national search for the Griff’s next men’s basketball coach is an important element of the university’s strategic plan.

“As we look to this next chapter of Golden Griffin men’s basketball, our goals are clear,” Maher said. “We are determined to build a men’s basketball program that can compete for MAAC Championships and will do so with student-athletes who represent what is best about Canisius University. Leveraging intercollegiate athletics to better engage our alumni and community, while creating an engaging student experience, is an important element of our university’s strategic plan—Answer the Call. A successful men’s basketball program is essential in achieving our ambitions.”

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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.

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Patrick Kane’s Red Wings halt Sabres win streak

DETROIT (AP) — Patrick Kane scored a tiebreaking goal late in the second period and James Reimer stopped 25 shots, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 4-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday in a matchup of teams vying for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Detroit earned a desperately needed win after losing seven straight games in regulation for the first time since early in the 2019-20 season. The slump dropped the Red Wings out of a favorable position to end a postseason drought that dates to 2016.

Buffalo had won three straight, including a 7-3 win over Detroit, to improve its chances of rallying into a playoff spot for the first time since 2011.

Tage Thompson had a power play goal midway through the first period to put Buffalo ahead.

Christian Fischer scored in the second period for Detroit.

The Red Wings pulled away with two goals in the third period, taking a 3-1 lead with 6:08 left when Daniel Sprong scored — a game after he was a healthy scratch — with 6:08 remaining and sealing the victory with Lucas Raymond’s empty-net goal.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen finished with 22 saves for Buffalo.

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Sabres open four-game road trip at Seattle on Monday night.

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UB women’s run ends in MAC title game

CLEVELAND (AP) — Katie Shumate had 18 points and nine rebounds to lead Kent State past Buffalo 78-60 on Saturday, winning the MAC Tournament championship and advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002.

The Golden Flashes will be making their sixth appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

After trailing 34-30 at halftime, the Golden Flashes dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Bulls 29-13 to take a 59-47 lead into the final period.

Dionna Gray’s 3-pointer gave the Golden Flashes a 38-37 lead a couple of minutes into the third quarter and they held the lead for the remainder of the game. Buffalo was still within 46-45 with about 4 1/2 minutes left in the third, but Shumate had a three-point play and a 3-pointer in Kent State’s 13-2 run finish the period.

Buffalo rallied in the fourth quarter and a 3-pointer by Hattie Ogden had the Bulls within 66-58 with about 4 1/2 minutes remaining. Kent State then clamped down on defense, allowing just two points the rest of the way. Shumate hit a jumper and assisted on 3-pointers by Jenna Batsch and Gray as Kent State closed out the win.

Kent State scored 48 points in the second half.

Gray and Batsch each scored 14 points and Mikala Morris added 11 for Kent State (21-10). Bridget Dunn had 12 rebounds and Shumate added three assists and three blocked shots.

Chellia Watson had 21 points, Rana Elhusseini 11 and Alexis Davis 10 for Buffalo (19-13).

Buffalo, the No. 4 seed, upset top-seeded Toledo 77-74 in overtime in the semifinals. No. 3 Kent State defeated No. 2 Ball State 67-50 in the other semifinal.

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UB women upset top-seeded Toledo, advance to MAC title game

CLEVELAND (WIVB) — The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team is one win away from returning to the NCAA Tournament.

The Bulls upset No. 1 seed Toledo with a 77-74 overtime win Friday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland to advance to Saturday’s MAC tournament title game. It marks the team’s first appearance in the conference championship under second-year head coach Becky Burke.


Tracking WNY men’s basketball teams in March Madness

Buffalo, the No. 4 seed, was in control for most of the game, leading by as many as 16 points in the third quarter as they carried a 53-38 advantage into the fourth. However, the Rockets (26-5, 17-1) came soaring back, embarking on a 17-2 run to tie the game with 5:29 to play.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, but regulation ended with the score tied at 67.

Despite losing a significant lead, Buffalo (19-12, 10-8) kept its composure in overtime.

A Kristen Lewis-Williams layup with 1:08 gave the Bulls a 74-72 advantage that they would not relinquish, as Toledo never led in overtime. Clutch free throws from Paula Lopez and Hattie Ogden paired with defensive stops helped secure the win. The Rockets had a chance to tie the game in the dying seconds of overtime but missed on a 3-pointer.

Chellia Watson once again led the way for the Bulls, finishing with 30 points to go with five assists, four rebounds and five steals while playing all 45 minutes. Lewis-Williams chipped in 15 points.

UB will play the winner of No. 2 seed Ball State (28-4, 16-2) and No. 3 Kent State (19-10, 13-5) at 11 a.m. Saturday in Cleveland. The game will air on CBS Sports Network.

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Sabres win 3rd in a row, 3 points out of playoff position

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Sabres scored three goals within 10 minutes of the second period to secure their third consecutive victory, 3-0 against the New York Islanders on Thursday night at KeyBank Center, moving within three points of the final wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves for his 5th career shutout, 18-year-old Zach Benson had two goals for the first time in his rookie season, Victor Olofsson and Dylan Cozens also, and Buffalo’s record (32-30-5) rose two wins above .500 for the first time this season.

Winning for the eighth time in 13 games over the past four weeks, the Sabres continue closing in on the Islanders and Red Wings, the team they beat two nights ago and visit on Saturday, after Detroit lost its seventh in a row at Arizona on Thursday night. Buffalo was tied with Washington in the standings with 69 points before the Capitals’ late game Tuesday at Seattle.

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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.

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Bills agree to sign WR Curtis Samuel to 3-year deal, AP sources say

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills are adding a dynamic playmaker alongside Stefon Diggs by agreeing to sign receiver Curtis Samuel to a three-year, $24 million contract, two people with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Thursday.

The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because Samuel has yet to sign the contract. ESPN.com first reported the agreement.


Buffalo Bills free agency tracker: Offseason signings, moves

The 27-year-old Samuel is guaranteed to make $15 million, and the contract includes bonuses that would increase its value to $30 million, one of the people said.

Samuel has seven seasons of NFL experience after spending the past three in Washington, where he topped 60 catches and 600 yards receiving in each of his past two seasons, while combining for 10 touchdowns (eight receiving, two rushing.)

The production was a major uptick from Samuel’s first season in Washington in which he was limited by groin and hamstring injuries.

Samuel spent his first four seasons in Carolina, and is reunited with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who held the same position with the Panthers in 2020.

Samuel had a career season with 77 catches and 851 yards and three touchdowns. He also had career highs with 41 carries for 200 yards, with two TDs.

In Buffalo, Samuel has the potential to fill the starting spot left open following Gabe Davis’ departure in free agency. He also provides Buffalo a speedy threat to stretch defenses on a pass-oriented offense that features Diggs, receiver Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid.

Buffalo already added receiving depth this week by signing Mack Hollins to a one-year deal.

Overall, the 2017 second-round draft pick out of Ohio State has combined for 317 catches 3,383 yards, 22 TDs receiving and seven rushing.

In a separate move, running back Ty Johnson agreed to return for a second season in Buffalo by signing a one-year contract. The fifth-year player’s role expanded in the second half of last season when Johnson became more involved in a pass-catching role.

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Sabres surging into playoff picture

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Approaching the end of the warmest winter on record, the Sabres’ playoff drought is starting to thaw.

After scorching the Detroit 7-3 on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center, the Sabres (31-30-5) are now five points behind the Red Wings and New York Islanders for the Eastern Conference’s last wild-card playoff spot. Buffalo hosts the Islanders on Thursday before going on the road for Saturday’s rematch with the Islanders, who have now lost six in a row.

The reeling Red Wings and idle Islanders are not the only teams the Sabres are chasing in the standings. They moved ahead of the Devils for fifth in the race for two wild-card spots, and remain two points behind the Capitals, but with three more games played.

Looking sharp again in their retro “goat head” sweaters, the Sabres scored twice in the first 10:09, with a third goal disallowed by an offsides challenge, led 4-1 by the end of the opening period, and got their sixth goal before the midway point of the second.

Newly-acquired defenseman Bowen Byram had two goals, rookie Zach Benson tallied a goal and two assists all in the first period, Alex Tuch got things going with an early breakaway goal, Jeff Skinner and JJ Peterka each scored his 21st of the season, and Buffalo even got a goal from defenseman Connor Clifton, his second in 63 games, during the onslaught. Tage Thompson and Jordan Greenway both had two assists.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 21 saves, as Buffalo had a 39-25 shooting advantage, chasing Detroit goalie Alex Lyon before the end of the first period.

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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.

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LB Nicholas Morrow agrees to 1-year deal with Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Bills began replenishing their depth at linebacker by agreeing to a one-year deal with Nicholas Morrow on Tuesday.


Buffalo Bills free agency tracker

A person with direct knowledge of the discussions confirmed Morrow’s agreement to The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the Bills have not announced the agreement, which was first reported by NFL Network.

The 28-year-old Morrow is a seven-year veteran who started 12 games last season for the Philadelphia Eagles while handling the on-field play-calling duties. Morrow is expected to fill a backup role behind starters Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano, who is set to return after missing much of last season with a right leg injury.

The Bills needed depth at the position with Tyrel Dodson and Tyler Matakevich eligible to become free agents, and following the retirement of A.J. Klein.

Morrow was an undrafted free agent out of Division III Greenville, and spent his first five seasons with the Raiders, including 2021, which he missed due to an ankle injury. He also had 17 starts with Chicago in 2022. Morrow has seven sacks, three interceptions and 43 tackles for losses in 94 career games, including 58 starts.

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