Bowling Green State's Mayar Wol stole the show at the Stroh Center, scoring 25 points to propel the Falcons to an 85-79 win over Eastern Michigan. The Falcons' strong first-half performance set the tone for the game, as they took a 46-36 lead into the break. Wol's impressive scoring display was complemented by Javontae Campbell's 18 points and 5 assists, as well as Josiah Shackelford's 13 points and 8 rebounds.
Eastern Michigan's Mehki Ellison and Braelon Green did their best to keep the Eagles in the game, each scoring 22 points. Mohammad Habhab added 15 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Falcons' balanced attack. Despite being outscored 43-39 in the second half, Bowling Green State's early lead proved insurmountable.
The game was marked by a series of runs, with the Falcons using a 10-2 stretch midway through the first half to build their lead. Eastern Michigan fought back, but Bowling Green State's defense held strong, limiting the Eagles to just 36% shooting from beyond the arc. The Falcons, on the other hand, shot a scorching 52% from the field, including 40% from three-point range.
The win improves Bowling Green State's record to 13-8, while Eastern Michigan falls to 9-12. Although this game was not expected to be a major upset, the outcome still has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For Bowling Green State, the victory is a Quadrant 4 win, which may not greatly enhance their resume but does help to avoid a damaging loss. On the other hand, Eastern Michigan's loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which could potentially hurt their chances of making a postseason push.
As the season enters its critical stretch, every game takes on added importance. For Bowling Green State, the key will be to build on this win and string together a series of victories to bolster their tournament credentials. With a current net ranking of 108, the Falcons still have work to do to secure a spot in the postseason. Meanwhile, Eastern Michigan's net ranking of 184 leaves them with an uphill climb, but the Eagles can still make a push with a strong finish to the season.
The win for Bowling Green State is a reflection of the team's resilience and ability to close out games. With Mayar Wol and Javontae Campbell leading the charge, the Falcons have the potential to make some noise in the conference tournament. As for Eastern Michigan, they want to regroup and refocus, with Mehki Ellison and Braelon Green providing a potent scoring duo to build around. Ultimately, this result reinforces Bowling Green State's position as a mid-tier team, while Eastern Michigan's tournament hopes take a hit.