UA Notches 8th Straight Over BG MBB

There are two clearly outstanding teams in the MAC.  Like, not just this year, but going back several years outstanding. I think Miami and Akron are possibly as strong as the UB team in 19. 

BG has played them both at home.  Miami led by 28 at half time, BG rallied and got the score down to 9 at one point before losing by 10.  Akron led 24-4 in the early moments of the game--conjuring up memories of the previous meeting in Cleveland.  The Falcons rallied to get it to 3 with 4:11 left in the game, but lost by 10.

It's part of an ongoing trend where BG plays less than a full game against solid opponents at home.  You can't win the MAC if you don't win at home.  To be sure, we've played the toughest opening schedule in the MAC and there's a long way to go.

The key exchange in the game actually came with 4:11 left.  Glover had hit a hook shot to cut the lead to 3.  And then BG got a turnover and there was a timeout. This is the moment of the game.  BG needs a basket.  

UA got a steal, Shakleford fouled the guy who stole the ball and then he hit 2 FTs.  Up 5.

Wol missed.  UA turns the ball over.

BG turned the ball over. UA missed a shot, gets the board, scores it with a +1, which is converted.  UA by 8.

BG turns the ball over, UA scores on the resulting fast break. UA by10.

1:57 left.  

In 2:14, BG had 3 turnovers and a missed shot on the four possessions, with Akron scoring on 3 of their 4 possessions and putting the game away.

Akron teams have done this forever.  In crunch time, they have another gear.  BG has not...that's Akron's 8th straight win over BG.

Dakich used to say your goal is to be hard to beat. When one thing gets taken away, you have another.  BG was determined to take Tavari Johnson out of the game.  Our style is to throw different defenses at him.  And it worked.  He was scoreless until the last minutes and shot 1-9 overall.  BG held Miami to 1.07 points per possession, which is their second lowest of the season.  The lowest was the loss to Miami.

But Akron was determined to keep Javonte Campbell out of the game.  On many possessions, they triple-teamed Campbell as he brought the ball up. When he got rid of the ball, they would scramble back into position.  This is a team that works really hard on defense.  And it worked.  They held Campbell to 12 points, on 3 of 11 overall shooting. He only got to the line 8 times.  And despite Wol's 32 point night, BG scored .93 points per possession, their worst offensive game of the season.

Akron won every factor.

Individually, Mayar Wol was unbelievable.  He scored 32 points on 8 of 11 and 5 of 9 shooting, with 5 rebounds. He was just incredible and he carried BG for most of the game, but it wasn't enough.  Campbell had 12, as noted above, but added 6 rebounds, 5 assists, a block, 4 steals and 4 turnovers.

No one else scored in double figures.  Troy Glover played with more energy than he has in a while, and had 9 rebounds and 8 points, making 4 of 6.

Justin Thomas tried to make a run at it, but ended up in a boot by the end of the game.

BG essentially played 6 guys.  Ruffin played 30 off the bench while Leach, Goins and Thomas played 5 mimutes or less.

BG gets a break, with no game Tuesday.  It's a good time.  Maybe Thomas improves.  And BG can take stock of unevent performances that have, nonetheless, showed promise.  Next Saturday is EMU at the Stroh.