Triple-doubles are rare in the game of basketball, especially at the college level.
Coming into Monday, there had been just 10 triple-double performances in all of college basketball this season.
However, they are even rarer in northwest Ohio.
In BGSU’s 87-62 win over Aquinas College at the Stroh Center, junior guard Javontae Campbell notched the 11th triple-double of the season and the first by a Falcon since 2007 (Nate Miller).
Campbell dominated the Saints, doing a little bit of everything, tallying 11 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
“He’s a tough kid, and he can get you 30 (points) or he can get you a triple-double; there’s a lot of different ways he can beat you,” BGSU head coach Todd Simon said.
He became the first Falcon to record double-digit assists since Samari Curtis had 10 against Norfolk State on Dec. 14, 2022.
Distributing the basketball and creating opportunities for others is something Simon has harped on recently.
“We kind of had a conversation with them about let’s try to get some people involved,” Simon said. “He’s a guy that has a great feel for the game and he takes those things to heart. He took on the challenge.”
However, Campbell also affected the game on defense, racking up five steals. He now has 51 steals this season, which leads the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and ranks third in the country.
“It’s a blessing to be noticed on offense and defense,” Campbell said. “The triple-double tonight, it was just easier with my teammates moving around, getting me open, getting them in good spaces, things like that.”
The Muskogee, Oklahoma, native has had multiple steals in every game this season. He has at least four steals in seven games and five in three.
Campbell has dominated all season for the Falcons, proving to be one of the best additions by Simon.
He has recorded double-digit points in all but one game this season and is averaging 15.8 points per game, the second-best mark on the team. Campbell has scored at least 20 points in three games this season, including a season-high 30 in the second game of the season against Davidson on Nov. 8.
Campbell has been the most efficient scorer for the Falcons, shooting an eye-opening 52.7% from the field, which ranks seventh in the MAC.
Next, Campbell and the Falcons will have an extended rest before opening 2025 and conference play against the Akron Zips, the reigning MAC champion, on Jan. 3. Falcon Media Sports Network’s Tyler Kavalecz and Artie Abrego will have the call of the contest on Falcon Radio beginning at 5:45 for pregame and 6 p.m. for tip-off.
