The first visit to the Big Dance for the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, and Suffolk’s Shannon Evans was unfortunately short, but both represented themselves well.

Evans, a former Nansemond River High School standout, scored 15 points. The No. 12 Bulls had a chance to win in the final minutes but ultimately fell to No. 5 West Virginia University 68-62 during the round of 64 in the NCAA tournament.

“I thought Shannon played well,” Nansemond River coach Ed Young said, later adding, “I think he gave a good account of himself.”

Young said Evans passed up some shots, which he probably could have taken, in an effort to get his teammates involved. He ended up being one of three Buffalo players in double figures.

This season, Evans helped the Bulls win the Mid-American Conference tournament championship and reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history.

“I believe they’ll be back next year,” Young said.