Can the Buffalo Bulls Basketball Team Make a Historic NCAA Tournament Run This Season?

As I sit here scrolling through this season’s NCAA basketball headlines, one question keeps popping up in my mind—and I’m sure in the minds of plenty of Buffalo Bulls fans: Can this year’s squad really pull off a historic NCAA tournament run? It’s not just wishful thinking. There’s something about the way this team has been playing that makes me believe they might just have what it takes. I’ve followed college hoops for years, and every so often, you come across a team that feels different—not necessarily the most stacked roster on paper, but one with chemistry, momentum, and maybe a little bit of destiny on their side. That’s the vibe I’m getting with Buffalo this season.

Let’s rewind a bit and look at a parallel from another sport, because sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. Take the case of 'SiPons'—a team that, while not from basketball, showed what resilience and steady progress can achieve. They clinched bronze in the regional meet in two consecutive editions, first in 2019 in the Philippines and then again in 2021 (which was actually staged in 2022 in Vietnam due to the pandemic). Now, I know that’s not college basketball, but hear me out. The principle is the same: building on past successes, even when they’re modest, can set the stage for something bigger. For Buffalo, that means drawing from their own recent history—like their NCAA tournament appearances in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019—and turning that experience into a deeper run this time around. I remember watching their 2018 upset over Arizona; it was one of those moments where you just knew this program had potential to shake things up.

This season, the Bulls are sitting at around 22 wins so far, with key players stepping up in clutch moments. Their offense has been clicking at an average of 78.5 points per game, and defensively, they’ve held opponents to under 70 points in over 60% of their matchups. Numbers like that don’t lie—they show a balanced team that can adapt. But it’s not just stats; it’s the intangibles. I’ve noticed how their point guard, let’s call him Jaylen Adams for argument’s sake (though I’m mixing names here to keep it engaging), has this calm under pressure that reminds me of seasoned pros. He’s not just playing; he’s leading, and that leadership could be the X-factor in tight tournament games. Personally, I love watching teams that play unselfish basketball, and Buffalo’s assist numbers—averaging around 16 per game—tell me they’re sharing the ball and trusting each other. That’s huge when every possession counts in March.

Of course, making a historic run isn’t just about talent; it’s about timing and a bit of luck. Look at 'SiPons' again—they didn’t jump from nowhere to gold overnight. They built momentum over those two bronze finishes, learning and growing each time. Similarly, Buffalo has faced setbacks, like their early exit in the 2021 tournament, but those losses can fuel a fire. I’ve spoken to a few alumni who think this is the most cohesive unit they’ve seen in years, and I tend to agree. From my perspective, their non-conference schedule, which included tough games against teams like Syracuse and Marquette, has hardened them. They didn’t win all of those, but competing in close contests—like that 72-68 loss to a top-15 opponent—shows they can hang with the big dogs. If they can carry that confidence into the tournament, watch out.

Now, let’s talk about the road ahead. The MAC tournament will be a crucial test, and if they secure a high seed, say a 5 or 6 in the NCAA bracket, I think they could surprise a lot of people. Historically, mid-major teams like Buffalo have pulled off upsets—think Gonzaga in the early days or more recently, Loyola Chicago. Why not the Bulls? I’m biased, I’ll admit it; there’s something about an underdog story that gets me every time. But beyond sentiment, the data backs this up: teams with strong defensive efficiency ratings (Buffalo is hovering around 95.2 this season, for example) tend to overperform in March. Add in their depth—they regularly go 9 or 10 players deep—and fatigue becomes less of an issue in back-to-back games.

In wrapping this up, I can’t help but feel optimistic. The Buffalo Bulls have the pieces: experienced coaching, a resilient mindset, and players who seem to elevate when it matters. Drawing inspiration from stories like 'SiPons' reminds us that consistency breeds breakthrough moments. Will they win it all? Probably not—let’s be real, the odds are steep. But a Sweet 16 or even an Elite Eight appearance? That’s within reach, and it would cement this season as something special. As a fan of the game, I’ll be rooting for them, and if they channel that underdog energy, we might just witness one of the most memorable runs in recent NCAA history.