A recent federal indictment unsealed in Pennsylvania has implicated 26 individuals in a points shaving scheme that allegedly sought to manipulate the outcomes of college and international basketball games. Among those named are former players of the University at Buffalo (UB) Bulls men’s basketball team, specifically Shawn Fulcher and Isaiah Adams, both of whom participated in the 2023-2024 NCAA Division I season.
The indictment details a conspiracy that reportedly began in September 2022 and continued until at least February 2025. Prosecutors assert that a group of so-called “influencers” financially incentivized NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association players to intentionally underperform, thereby ensuring their teams did not cover the betting spread in select games. These influencers allegedly placed bets on various sportsbooks that aligned with their manipulated outcomes.
In late February 2024, according to the indictment, a group of five fixers recruited Fulcher and Adams, along with another unnamed individual, to participate in this scheme. During a FaceTime call, they purportedly agreed to ensure that UB would fail to cover the first-half spread in an upcoming game against Western Michigan University. Allegedly, conspirators placed bets totaling $90,000 on the outcome.
The first-half spread was set at three points, and by halftime, Western Michigan led UB 47-32, successfully winning the bet. Although UB improved their performance in the second half, being outscored 44-40, they ultimately lost the game 91-72. The indictment also outlines additional games involving UB where points shaving conspiracies were either attempted or successfully executed, including contests against Kent State and Ohio University.
Prosecutors further allege that bettors traveled to Buffalo to deliver bribe payments totaling at least $54,000 to Fulcher, Adams, and the unnamed individual.
In light of the allegations, Mark Alnutt, Vice President and Athletic Director at UB, released a statement expressing the university’s concern over the situation. He emphasized that these allegations appear to be isolated incidents that do not reflect the values or ethics of the university’s athletic programs. Alnutt stated, “We will continue to cooperate fully with the investigating authorities. Preserving the integrity and fairness of sport is a responsibility we take very seriously.”
He also confirmed that both former student-athletes are no longer enrolled at UB, having transferred to other programs following the 2023-2024 season. As the investigation proceeds, UB Athletics has refrained from making further comments.
The implications of this indictment extend beyond the individuals named, prompting broader discussions about the integrity of college athletics and the potential for corruption within sports betting.
