It took just under two minutes of overtime play for Mirnes Biscevic to score the game-winning goal over Bowling Green University on Sunday afternoon.
The goal was scored on a magnificently placed cross by Jeff Martinko, with Biscevic finding the back of the net just 1:41 into overtime play.
After a great start to the season, the Bulls (7-4-1 overall, 1-2 Mid-American Conference) needed a solid showing.
Buffalo had dropped their last four in a row, while being shut out in the last three contests. Also in the past few weeks several players have been suspended for violating UB's hazing policy.
The win was Buffalo's first in the Mid-American Conference since beating Kentucky 2-1 on Oct. 20, 2002.
Heading into the half with the score tied, UB head coach John Astudillo told his team to remain calm, and play their game.
"I told them, 'don't get nervous against a team like Bowling Green,'" said Astudillo. "Stay strong mentally, and it will come together."
Astudillo made some adjustments emerging from the half, including bringing Biscevic into the middle for added power.
"We brought Biscevic up on top, we had him playing at midfield we've always known he's been a dangerous player but just haven't been able to cash in; he has been training hard the entire week," said Astudillo.
Bowling Green (0-13 overall, 0-4 MAC) got on the board first, in the 70th minute of the game on a goal by Omari Aldridge. UB fought back valiantly, and scored just 12 minutes later on an unassisted goal by Biscevic to tie the game 1-1. Biscevic's goal proved to be crucial, as it sent the game into overtime where Biscevic would later prove to be the hero once again and score the game-winning goal.
Throughout the game Buffalo kept the pressure high on Bowling Green, out-shooting the Falcons 13-10 and getting the edge in corner kicks by a 4-3 margin.
Biscevic was very solid for the Bulls throughout the game, scoring both goals for UB.
"I started off very slowly and didn't adjust at all, but the second half I told myself to clear my mind and have fun, I was more aggressive, played hard and played tough," said Biscevic.
When Martinko crossed the ball in the overtime period, Biscevic didn't know for sure that his shot was going to hit the back of the net.
"When he crossed the ball, I just saw the ball coming and ran in the box and took the shot and hoped it went in," said Biscevic.
Martinko, on the other hand, knew that if someone was there to receive his pass, the end result was going to be a goal.
"I just knew when I crossed it that if someone was there it was going in the net," Martinko said.
Coach Astudillo said he knew how important this game was for the team, not only in improving the Bulls' record, but also in improving the morale of the players following a two-week period during which several players were suspended for hazing.
"It was quite important with all the adversities. Lee Catchpole broke his foot in the last game, and Mbwana Johnson is out, we are not sure how long. Plus we have some suspensions so it was very important that we came back and won this game, after playing Akron and Kentucky," said Astudillo. "I was delighted to see how strong and courageous these guys were. They put on a good show."
Biscevic echoed his coach's sentiments, noting also that any game looks like a must-win after a four game losing streak.
"Every game is very important after losing four games in a row, especially with some of the injuries we have. A couple of guys stepped up and it showed in the game," said Biscevic.
Goalie Daniel Bell, who made four saves for the Bulls, was confident throughout the contest that his team would come through.
"We kept our heads high and didn't let it get to us," said Bell. "We knew we had a shot. We outplayed them the whole game, and just played until the end."
The Bulls' next game is on Friday, when they will travel to Cleveland State for a 7 p.m. non-conference match.
