A federal indictment unsealed in Pennsylvania has implicated 26 individuals in a points shaving scheme affecting college and international basketball games. Among those named are two former players from the University at Buffalo (UB) Bulls men’s basketball team, Shawn Fulcher and Isaiah Adams, both of whom were active during the 2023-2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball season.
The indictment alleges that the scheme began in September 2022 and extended to at least February 2025. Prosecutors claim a group of “influencers” paid NCAA players and athletes from the Chinese Basketball Association to deliberately underperform in specific games. This manipulation was intended to ensure the teams failed to cover the spread, with bets placed in sportsbooks aligned with the desired outcomes.
Prosecutors detail how a group of five fixers recruited Fulcher and Adams in late February 2024. During a FaceTime call, the pair, alongside an unnamed individual, reportedly agreed to help ensure that UB would not cover the first-half spread in an upcoming game against Western Michigan University. Allegedly, conspirators placed approximately $90,000 in bets on this particular game.
The first-half spread was set at three points; by halftime, Western Michigan led UB 47-32, successfully winning the bet. Although UB performed better in the second half, being outscored 44-40, they ultimately lost the game with a final score of 91-72. The indictment references additional games involving UB that were allegedly tied to both successful and failed points shaving conspiracies, including those against Kent State and Ohio University.
Prosecutors also allege that individuals traveled to Buffalo to deliver bribe money to Fulcher, Adams, and another unnamed person, totaling at least $54,000.
In response to the unfolding situation, Mark Alnutt, UB’s Vice President and Athletic Director, issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations. “We are aware of these deeply concerning allegations. We believe these to be isolated incidents that in no way reflect the values and core ethics of the Division of Athletics or our men’s basketball program,” Alnutt said. He emphasized that UB Athletics would fully cooperate with investigators and take the preservation of sports integrity seriously.
Alnutt confirmed that Fulcher and Adams are no longer enrolled at UB and have since transferred to other programs following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. With the investigation still ongoing, UB Athletics has chosen not to make further comments at this time.
The implications of this indictment extend beyond the individuals involved, raising significant concerns about the integrity of college athletics and the influence of illegal gambling in sports. As the investigation progresses, the university and its community await further developments on this troubling issue.
