BUFFALO, New York - The Black Bears traveled up to the University at Buffalo to close out 2016 with a matchup against the Bulls, looking to bounce back from a 3-game losing skid. Buffalo would run away with the lead in the second half and took the victory 79-60.

Austin Howard had a stand-out night scoring 18 points, shooting 6-16 from the field (3-8 from three) while also dishing out four assists and grabbing four rebounds. Howard scored two of Maine's first three baskets in their 7-2 run to open the game.

Andrew Fleming had a double-double in his third straight game with 14 points and 12 rebounds, along with grabbing a steal in the contest. Fleming shot 7-10 from the field.

Danny Evans also tallied eight points for Maine, while also grabbing four rebounds and assisting on a basket.

After Maine's 7-2 opening run, Buffalo responded with a 13-0 run to lead 15-7. Danny Evans would hit a key 3-pointer with 7:58 remaining in the first half to cut the lead to 1, but that's the closest Maine would get in the first, as the first half ended 37-27 in Buffalo's favor.

Maine started the second half with a 12-3 run with 8 of those points coming from Austin Howard. Maine was down by only one point with 17:09 remaining in regulation, 40-39 Buffalo. But with the exception of one three-point shot by Marko Pirovic, Maine would not score again until 10:25 left.

Buffalo led by as much as 22 points in the second half and never looked back, as the final score would be a 19 point margin, 79-60 Buffalo.

Maine is back in action in Bangor for the first time since December 7th, as they face Columbia on January 2nd at 2pm. For tickets, please visit TicketMaster.com or the Cross Insurance Center box office.

-UMaine-