Though Buffalo has been the class of the MAC recently, Bowling Green has risen steadily. The program is in search of its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1968 and will look to make a statement on Friday.

Bowling Green is led by three seniors who average at least 11 points per game in an offense that ranks 36th in the nation in points scored on a per-possession basis.

Buffalo possesses a revenge motive — the Falcons took them down, 86-78, in Ohio on Dec. 6. And the Bulls have been better on defense since that loss, giving up fewer than 70 points in four of their five games since.

Buffalo will have to keep Bowling Green off the free-throw line, as the Falcons rate 20th in team free-throw shooting percentage and are 32nd in made free throws on a per-possession basis.

In the first matchup, Bowling Green was 31-for-40 at the free-throw line. The Falcons, who rank 19th in the nation in fewest turnovers on a per-possession basis, committed just 10 turnovers in that game, with Buffalo nabbing a season-low four steals.

Buffalo has an advantage on the glass, ranking 36th in rebound percentage. But the Bulls rank 315th in free-throw shooting percentage and 330th at home, knocking down just 55 percent of their free throws in home games, which will help deny Buffalo the revenge it craves.

The play: Bowling Green, +4.5.