The Bowling Green men’s basketball team looks to continue their winning streak against Kent State on Tuesday, January 23. 

Tip-off for the Mid-American Conference matchup is set for 7 p.m. at the Stroh Center. Falcon Media Sports Network’s Chas McNeil and Rhys Patrykus will be on the call on Falcon Radio, with the broadcast starting at 6:40 p.m. for pregame.  

With a victory against Kent State, Bowling Green will record their fifth straight win, extend their home winning streak to eight games, and snap an eight-game losing streak against the Golden Flashes.  

With a win, the Falcons would record their first victory against Kent State since the 2018-19 season, which saw Bowling Green defeat Kent State 77-73 on March 1st, 2019, at the Stroh Center.  

Matchup History 

Tuesday’s game will mark the 172 meeting between the MAC rivals. Through 171 games played, Bowling Green has the series lead 87-84. 

Kent State has won the last eight contests against Bowling Green, with BG going 2-8 in their last 10 meetings with the Golden Flashes. Kent State won the last matchup with Bowling Green by double-digits, defeating the Falcons at the Stroh Center 79-69. 

When playing on home court, the Orange and Brown boast a 52-30 record against the Golden Flashes. However, their last victory against Kent State at the Stroh Center was on March 1, 2019. 

Scouting Kent State 

Kent State enters the contest ranked eighth in the MAC, sporting a 9-9 record and a 2-4 record against the MAC.  

Kent State is coming off a six-point loss to the number one ranked MAC team Akron, losing 77-71. In their last five games, Kent State has recorded a 1-4 record, with the lone victory against Northern Illinois, besting the Huskies 83-76 in Dekalb. 

While Kent State had a decent start to the season against non-conference opponents, going 7-5, the Golden Flashes have struggled since entering MAC play, with a win-loss record of 2-4. 

Don’t let the record fool you, Kent State is still very much a threat. 

Kent State’s offense ranks near the top of the MAC in several categories. The Golden Flashes rank third in the MAC in scoring with 77.8 points per game, despite only ranking eighth in field goal percentage with 45.2%. 

Despite ranking low in FG%, Kent State ranks third in three-point shooting with 36.4%, averaging 8.2 three-point shots per game and ranking second in the MAC in free throw percentage with 76.2%.  

Defensively, Kent State ranks in the middle of the pack. 

Kent State allows 74.1 points per game, an opponent field goal percentage of 46.0%, along with an opponent three-point percentage of 35.4%. 

The Golden Flashes’ biggest strength on the court is their ability to force turnovers. 

Kent State ranks first in the MAC in steals per game, averaging 7.22 per game through 18 games.  

Scouting Bowling Green 

The Falcons enter the contest ranked second in the MAC with a record of 14-4 and a 5-1 record against the MAC. 

Bowling Green has dominated home court this season, with a record of 9-1 at home. Bowling Green has won seven straight games at home, with their last loss at the Stroh Center on November 17, 2023.  

The Orange and Brown are currently on a four-game winning streak.  

Offensively, the Falcons rank in the middle of the pack in several categories.  

The Falcons average 76.4 points per game, ranking them sixth in the conference in scoring. BG ranks ninth in field goal percentage with 44.4% and 10th in three-point shooting percentage with 31.6%.  

From the free throw line, the Falcons shot 67.8% from the line. 

Defensively, Bowling Green holds one of the best units in the conference. 

The Orange and Brown allowed an average of 69.8 points per game, the second least allowed in the MAC. The Falcons allow a shooting percentage of 42.9%, again the second-lowest percentage allowed in the MAC. 

In rebounding, BG ranks at the top of the MAC, grabbing an average of 38.7 combined rebounds per game.  

Falcon Four Players to watch 

Marcus Hill (Bowling Green #0) 

It’s safe to say that Marcus Hill has been one of the biggest highlights for the Falcon’s team this season. 

Hill has averaged 20.7 points per game, 2.2 assists per game and 44% on field goals, all of which led the team. 

In the last contest against Western Michigan, Hill scored 28 points, Hill was named the MAC co-player of the week for his efforts. 

Rashaun Agee (Bowling Green #12) 

Rashaun Agee has found a new level to his game this season, averaging 12.2 points per game and 9.1 rebounds per game. 

In the victory against Western Michigan, Agee had many highlight plays, including a powerful one-handed slam that brought the Stroh Center to their feet.  

Agee recorded a double-double against the Broncos, scoring 12 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.  

Jalen Sullinger (Kent State #13) 

Jalen Sullinger has been a bright spot on Kent State’s 23-24 campaign, leading the Golden Flashes in scoring.  

Sullinger averages 14.3 points per game on a 43.9% from field goal range and averages 87% from the free throw line. 

Sullinger is the reigning MAC sixth man of the year. 

Chris Payton Jr (Kent State #4) 

Chris Payton Jr, the senior forward, has stepped up for the Golden Flashes this season. 

After averaging 6.7 points per game last season, Payton Jr has doubled that number, now averaging 14.1 points per game in the 2023-24 season. 

Payton Jr leads the Golden Flashes in rebounds per game with 8.1 per game.