Fans of men’s basketball at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, are likely filled with a particularly great amount of gratitude at this moment that a former Nansemond River High School basketball star is on their team’s roster.

Sophomore guard Shannon Evans of Suffolk recently helped Buffalo claim its first Mid-American Conference tournament championship and first trip to the NCAA tournament, which starts today for the Bulls.

Reflecting on what it meant to him to have helped lead Buffalo to the championship, Evans said, “It means the world to me.”

He contributed a team-high 18 points, tied with senior forward Xavier Ford, and added five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block to Buffalo’s 89-84 victory in the tournament final over Central Michigan University on Saturday.

Part of an impressive team effort, he was one of six scorers on his team in double figures, and a seventh player had eight points.

Evans helped the Bulls get through the MAC tournament semifinals on March 13 by adding 14 points, four boards, four assists, three blocks and two steals to a 68-59 win against the University of Akron.

He said he most definitely felt increased pressure during the tournament.

“We’ve been to the championship three times and never actually won it,” he said.

Evans said he managed the pressure by keeping his mind on the prize, understanding that his team is capable of winning the title.

“My main focus was just trying to stay composed and make sure my teammates were ready to go,” he said.

Evans was named to the MAC all-tournament team, and his tournament performances also led to his winning the MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week honor for the second time this season.

“My excitement just keeps growing for him,” Nansemond River coach Ed Young said, reacting to Evans’ role in making Buffalo school history with the MAC tourney title and NCAA tourney berth. “He’s had a really good year both on and off the court.”

The coach noted Evans also was recently selected to the All-MAC second team. He was one of only two sophomores honored by the league. He made the All-Freshman team last year.

Young got to watch the Bulls win the MAC tournament title on TV, as well as Evans’ reaction to the triumph.

“He ran in the stands, hugged his mom,” Young said. “They showed it on ESPN.”

In terms of making the NCAA tournament, Evans said Buffalo was on the bubble, and added, “I believe winning the (MAC) tournament was definitely the way to get into the NCAA (tournament).”

Young said, in his opinion, the championship was absolutely necessary to supplant Central Michigan as the MAC team going to the Big Dance.

The Bulls (23-9) are a No. 12 seed and will take on No. 5 West Virginia University (23-9).

“They’re a very great team,” Evans said of the Mountaineers, adding that they are well-coached, as well. “We have to stick to our principles and play hard, and it will be a very exciting game Friday.”

Young said, “West Virginia’s good, but very much Buffalo’s capable of beating them.”

None other than President Barack Obama picked the Bulls to win as he filled out his bracket.

The Mountaineers are led by senior guard Juwan Staten, who averages 14.5 points and 4.6 assists per game.

Young highlighted freshman guard Jevon Carter’s ability as a defender, noting he would not be surprised if Carter is tasked with guarding Evans.

The game is set for a 2:10 p.m. tipoff today, televised on Turner Network Television.