The Bowling Green State University men’s basketball team defeated the Ohio University Bobcats 58-56 in Athens, Ohio this past Wednesday on the back of a late first-half run and consistent defense.
Early in the game, the Falcons found themselves down 15-4 with 13:56 left in the first half. Things looked as if the game was going to get out of hand quickly. The Falcons slowed the Bobcats’ run down with a 14-0 run of their own, capped by a Jaevon Clarke three-pointer to put the Falcons ahead 18-16.
“After a slow start we were able to play into our zone defense,” head coach Louis Orr said. “That helped us and we were able to make some baskets.”
The game stayed close from then on as the first half ended with the Bobcats leading 33-30 after Bobcat Travis Wilkins made three free throws.
The second half stayed close throughout, but the Falcons could not seem to gain a lead on the Bobcats. A layup by Sophomore Spencer Parker sparked a second half run for the Falcons that got them a 48-43 lead with just over seven minutes left in the game.
The last few minutes of the game both teams went on runs, just to see the other team counter and take the lead. The Falcons had the final run and took the lead 51-50 and would hold on from there.
“The second half was just a battle,” Orr said. “Our defense was the difference, we weren’t too good at the free throw line but we just battled.”
Jaevon Clarke had just the game the Falcons needed when going on the road. He had 15 points, four assists and only one turnover. Clarke has had turnover problems throughout the season, but on a court where the Falcons have not had much recent success, he was able to make good decisions with the ball.
Parker led the Falcons in scoring with 16 points and six rebounds, while Junior Richaun Holmes had 12 points and added five rebounds.
This win marks the first time the Falcons have won at the Convocation Center since Jan. 24, 2009, the same year the Falcons won the Mid-American Conference regular season title. It was also the first time the Falcons have won away games against Ohio University and Western Michigan since the 1990-1991 season.
“This is one of the toughest places in the MAC and in the country to win,” Orr said. “Our guys showed great courage.”
After losing four in a row after Christmas, the Falcons look to be back on track. They will host Ball State this Saturday at 6 p.m. Ball State is currently 9-9 and 3-2 in MAC play.
“Our guys have shown great belief in themselves and we are just trying to be the best we can one day at a time,” Orr said.
