Defense is an integral part of any basketball game, and the Bowling Green Falcons looked like a defensive machine against Coastal Carolina.
To play defense at the level the Falcons did against Coastal Carolina. Take a full buy-in from every player.
“Defensively, they’ve taken way more individual ownership,” head coach Todd Simon said. “It starts to get in the opponent’s head a little bit. If I put my head down or I start spinning, I’m gonna lose the ball.”
The Falcons forced Coastal Carolina into 19 turnovers as a team. Of those 19 turnovers, 11 were steals, which got the offense rolling, as they turned the steals into 27 points.
“We feed off of that, and when we can get out and run, we’re really good athletes,” Simon said.
The players also enjoy the defensive to offensive swings that they can bring about with the pressure.
“I just really appreciate everybody buying in coach Simons and playing faster because it makes the game more fun.” Derrick Butler said.
Although they all may not show up on the box score, every player getting on the court was getting their hand in the passing lane.
Two players, Marcus Johnson and Wilguens Jr. Exacte, were able to get four steals as they harassed the Chanticleers.
This marks the second straight game for the Falcons, where they were able to force more than 10 turnovers.
It wasn’t just the turnovers that propelled the Falcons forwards, it was a stout interior defense.
“Matching their toughness and size, just being overly aggressive, to work on the best positioning.” Jamai Felt said.
The Orange and Browns held Coastal Carolina to 39% from the field and were able to send back three shots.
This type of defensive effort will have to continue for the Falcons as they continue their push towards a Mid-American Conference tournament spot in Cleveland.
The Falcons are back in action on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the Stroh Center as they take on the Ohio Bobcats in a 7 p.m. matchup. Join Falcon Media Sports Network’s own Tyler Kavalecz and Artie Abrego with the live broadcast.
