Old Dominion University’s men’s basketball team experienced a night of mixed emotions during their season opener on Monday, ultimately falling to Buffalo by a score of 83-82 in a dramatic conclusion at Chartway Arena.
For first-year head coach Mike Jones, an alumnus and former player of ODU, this was an emotional debut characterized by promise and a disheartening last-second loss. Despite an inspiring rally in the second half, Tyson Dunn’s three-pointer from the left corner, which lasted merely 1.3 seconds, deprived ODU of victory.
Junior Sean Duroguordon initiated the Monarch scoring by securing his rebound and executing a score to establish a 2-0 lead for ODU. The Bulls promptly countered with a three-pointer, and following a missed attempt by ODU, they added a layup to assume a 5-2 advantage. Buffalo advanced their lead to 7-2; however, freshman Jaden Johnson responded with a vigorous drive toward the basket, narrowing the gap to 7-4. After another layup by Buffalo, senior RJ Blakney registered ODU’s first three-pointer of the contest, bringing the score to 9-7.
Blakney, demonstrating his competitive spirit, executed a two-handed dunk to equalize the score; bringing the crowd to their feet in Chartway. Nevertheless, Buffalo swiftly regained the lead with a mid-range jumper.
ODU maintained their momentum, with Duroguordon connecting on a three-pointer to extend the lead to 19-15, followed by Johnson’s drive that increased the lead to 21-15. Buffalo, however, responded effectively by sinking a three-pointer and cutting the lead to 21-18. Junior Stephaun Walker’s fluid floater extended ODU’s lead to 23-18, but Buffalo retaliated with five consecutive points to level the score at 23. The Bulls then executed a layup to take a 27-25 lead, and following a timeout, Caesar tied the game at 27 with a jumper.
The Monarchs began the game sluggishly, missing 11 of their first 12 shots as the Bulls capitalized off this slow start, achieving an impressive shooting percentage of 59% from the field during the first half, which enabled them to establish a 43-38 advantage at halftime.
The second half of the contest progressed in a markedly different manner as Old Dominion gradually reduced the lead held by Buffalo. After trailing by as many as 12 points early in the half, the Monarchs orchestrated a 10-0 run, highlighted by consecutive three-point field goals from Robert Davis Jr., a transfer from the University of Massachusetts. This impressive sequence brought the deficit to a mere one point, 67-66, with 8:23 remaining in the game. The atmosphere within the arena was charged with excitement as ODU continued to build momentum.
As the game approached its conclusion, the score remained close. ODU’s Devin Ceaser, who recorded 13 points, provided the Monarchs with their first lead of the second half through a crucial layup, bringing the score to 79-78. However, Buffalo responded promptly, with Dunn—who finished with 24 points and 10 assists—converting a layup to regain the lead at 80-79.
With 17 seconds left, Davis Jr. executed a fadeaway three-pointer under pressure, putting ODU ahead 82-80, which ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm and instilled hope for a season-opening victory. Yet, Dunn responded decisively, making another three-pointer with just 1.3 seconds to go, thus silencing the arena and clinching an 83-82 victory for Buffalo.
Old Dominion demonstrated resilience, particularly under the leadership of Davis Jr., who contributed 25 points — eight of which were three-pointers, all scored in the second half. Additionally, Walker, a transfer from Robert Morris, provided a double-double performance with 14 points and 13 rebounds, playing a vital role in ODU’s comeback efforts.
Despite the Monarchs’ substantial advantage on the boards, outrebounding Buffalo 46 to 29, the Bulls’ shooting accuracy of 55.8% from the field.
“It is undoubtedly difficult,” Coach Jones remarked following the game. “A one-point loss is painful, but I am immensely proud of our team’s effort in mounting a comeback. We were down by 12 points in the second half and exhibited great determination. This is something upon which we can build.”
For Coach Jones, the loss did not diminish the importance of the occasion.
“This was the only position I aspired to obtain,” he expressed emotionally. “Coaching my inaugural game here represented a dream fulfilled, and it is an experience I shall forever cherish.”
The Monarchs will face a formidable task as they travel to compete against No. 10 Arizona on Saturday with tip off slated for 4 p.m.. The Next time ODU is at home will be against Maryland-Eastern Shore on November 15.
