BUFFALO, N.Y. – Will Barnett scored 20 points and knocked down a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to help Princeton hold off Buffalo 57-53 Saturday in the season opener for both teams.
Barnett, who returned to action for the first time since suffering a foot injury last Nov. 30, also grabbed nine rebounds, blocked three shots and made 9 of 10 free throw attempts.
Buffalo trailed 51-45 with 4:18 left to play but used a 7-3 run to close the gap to 54-52 behind a Tony Watson 3-pointer at the 1:27 mark.
Javon McCrea, who scored four points during the run and finished with 22, had the chance to give the Bulls the lead after being fouled by Ian Hummer with 41 seconds remaining.
But the forward made just 1 of 2 free throws and Barnett converted his fourth 3-pointer of the day on the Tigers' next possession to seal the win.
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