Despite a pair of 20-point performances and a late-game surge, the Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball team dropped a hard-fought road contest to the Bowling Green Falcons, 85-79, on Saturday, Jan. 17. The loss moves the Eagles to a 9-10 overall record and a 3-4 mark in Mid-American Conference play.
Offensive firepower and efficient shooting
The game was a display of high-level efficiency from both sides, as both teams effectively dismantled the opposing defenses for much of the afternoon. Eastern Michigan finished the afternoon shooting 50.8% from the field (30-of-59) and an impressive 85.7% from the free-throw line. However, they were unable to match the scorching outside shooting of the Falcons, who connected on 69.2% of their attempts from beyond the arc (9-of-13).
Junior guard Braelon Green and sophomore Mehki Ellison led the charge for the Eagles, with both players providing 22 points. Green was a model of efficiency, shooting a blistering 9-of-11 from the floor, including two critical triples. Ellison, providing a massive spark off the bench, matched that total by also shooting 8-of-11 and leading the team with four assists.
Inside, Mohammad Habhab anchored the Eagles’ effort with a double-double, recording 15 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Habhab was particularly active on the glass, securing 10 defensive rebounds to limit Bowling Green's second-chance opportunities. Addison Patterson also reached double figures, contributing 10 points and three assists in 36 minutes of action.
The Falcons’ perimeter dominance
Despite Eastern Michigan's offensive efficiency, they were unable to match the Falcons' scorching outside shooting. Bowling Green finished the afternoon connecting on a staggering 69.2% of their attempts from beyond the arc (9-of-13). The Falcons were particularly lethal in the first half, where they hit 6-of-7 three-point attempts, setting a pace the Eagles struggled to mirror.
Bowling Green’s Mayar Wol proved to be the difference-maker, leading all scorers with 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including five three-pointers. He was supported by Javontae Campbell, who added 18 points and five assists, and Troy Glover II, who recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while anchoring the defense with four blocks.
Game flow: A tale of two halves
The Falcons established control early, utilizing their hot shooting to head into the locker room with a 46-36 lead at halftime. Bowling Green’s offensive rhythm allowed them to lead for 77% of the contest, eventually pushing their advantage to as large as 21 points in the second half.
However, the Eagles refused to go quietly. Eastern Michigan outscored the Falcons 43-39 in the second period, fueled by a field goal percentage that jumped to 53.3% in the final 20 minutes. The Eagles found significant success in the interior, matching the Falcons with 40 points in the paint and utilizing their depth to outscore Bowling Green's bench 30-15. Despite several late buckets from Ellison and Green, the double-digit deficit established by the Falcons’ early three-point barrage proved too much to fully erase.
Stat comparison
The final box score reflected how evenly matched these teams were outside of the three-point line. Bowling Green held a narrow 30-29 rebounding edge, while the Eagles forced 10 turnovers and converted those into 10 points. The game featured three ties and two lead changes, but the Falcons' ability to maintain their lead through consistent transition play—earning 17 fast-break points—kept the Eagles at arm's length.
MAC standings and looking ahead
As a result, the Eagles currently sit in eighth place in the Mid-American Conference standings, four games behind league leader Miami University Ohio. Bowling Green moves slightly ahead into a tie for sixth place with Buffalo.
The Eagles will return to the Gervin GameAbove Center on Saturday, Jan. 24, looking to defend their 6-2 home record against Kent State. The 3:30 p.m. tip-off will feature “Dribble, Dogs, & Greek Life" as part of the game-day festivities. Following the home stand, the Eagles will hit the road again to face Central Michigan on Jan. 27.
