2016-17 MAC Men’s Basketball Recap: Miami Redhawks vs. Bowling Green Falcons

The uniforms looked familiar, but there was no Wally Szczerbiak or Keith McLeod. Or, even a Ron Harper or Richuan Holmes for that matter. What the fans who showed up at the Stroh Center on Tuesday night did see was a turnoverfest, as the Bowling Green Falcons defeated the Miami Redhawks, 83-72.

BG led 42-27 at the intermission, thanks in large part to 20 first-half points from senior Wes Alcegaire. Both teams combined to have more turnovers (26) than field goals made (25) in the opening half.

The Falcons led 30-25 with 6:18 to go in the opening 20 minutes, and then went on a 17-2 run to end the half. The Redhawks went almost the last eight minutes of the first half without a field goal.

Bowling Green coach Michael Huger held regular starters Ismail Ali, Zack Denny and Antwon Lillard out of the starting line-up in this game. The trio, along with reserve Rasheed Worrell, were suspended for last Saturday’s game against Ohio for violating team rules.

The Falcons stretched their lead to as many as 19 points in the second half. Miami made a late run and cut the lead to eight with a just over a minute to play, but the Falcons made their free throws down the stretch to preserve the win.

Alcegaire led the Falcons with a career high 25 points. Malik Hluchoweckyj and Denny both added 10 points each for Bowling Green. Miami was led in scoring by Jake Wright with 18. Logan McLane added 14 for the Redhawks.

Miami shot a blistering 56 percent from the field on 26-46 shooting, but the Redhawks couldn’t get enough attempts as they turned the ball over 24 times. Both teams combined for 38 turnovers. Bowling Green made 23 of 31 free throw attempts, to only 12 of 16 for Miami.

The Falcons improve to 3-6 in Mid-American Conference play and 9-13 overall. The Redhawks drop to 2-7 and 9-13 overall. Bowling Green will remain at home on Saturday afternoon and host arch rival Toledo. Miami will return home to face the Kent State Golden Flashes.