On Monday night, BGSU Men’s Basketball defeated the Air Force Falcons 62-58 in the home/season opener of the 2022-23 campaign.   

Air Force jumped out to an early lead in the first half with efficient scoring from the Blue and White. By the first media timeout, Air Force held an 8-2 lead, made possible by shots from Marcell McCreary and Jake Heidbreder.

The Blue and White extended their lead and held the Orange and Brown to two points, until BGSU forward Rashaun Agee would score a few quick points, the score now 13-5. With an aggressive drive toward the basket, senior Leon Ayers III scored back-to-back for BG, making the score 13-10. Bowling Green would continue to drive toward the basket throughout the first half, quickly closing the gap.

At a turning point in the half, the Orange and Brown capitalized on their position, continuing to add to their lead. Air Force would make up some ground, almost tying it up, 24-23. Bowling Green would then respond by extending their lead further, 30-23, the main scorers being Agee and guard Kaden Metheny. With three minutes remaining in the first half, both teams would go back and forth scoring until time ran out. Bowling Green, holding Air Force at 29 points, would score 35 themselves, taking a six point lead into halftime.

The second half would begin with back-and-forth scoring between BGSU and Air Force, the score reaching 41-38 by the first media timeout. With Bowling Green still holding the lead, the Falcons scored two more layups (Ayers and Samari Curtis), before Air Force would score again. Following a few three-point shots made by Air Force, the gap between home and away would begin to shrink. With a 48-44 score, Bowling Green would extend their lead dramatically, holding Air Force at 44 points until about five minutes left in regulation (56-44). With a strong final effort from the Air Force, the Blue and White started to cut away at Bowling Green’s lead. Air Force, logging four three-point shots in the last five minutes of the game, would trail the Orange and Brown by four points, and not be able to catch up in time as the clock ran out. 

Ayers III was an instrumental player, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds. In addition, Curtis led the Falcons in assists with three. With this victory marking the program’s first win versus Air Force and laying the groundwork for an undefeated season, Head Coach Michael Huger was very pleased with his team’s performance last night.  

“They are here for each other and cheer for each other,” Huger said. “It’s definitely night and day from what we had last year.” 

Looking ahead, the Falcons hit the road to visit the Oakland Grizzlies on Friday, Nov. 11. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.  

For more information, go to bgsufalcons.com.