Falcon MBB Beats UB

The UB Bulls, who are losing in ways they haven't since their days when they entered the MAC came into the Stroh Tuesday.

They were without a starter (Anquan Boldin) as was BG (Da'Shawn Philip, along with Sam Towns).  It was a competitive game for a while, but BG eventually took the momentum and won moving away.

In the end, BG led for more than 30 minutes, while UB led for 2 minutes.

As mentioned, the game was competitive through the first half.  The game was tied with 4 minutes left in the first half. BG went on an 8-0 run to close the half out, including a Marcus Hill buzzer beater.

BG had the lead up to 10 but UB battled it back to 2 with 16 left.   BG responded going on a modest 13-5 run to push the lead to 10.   For the last 11 minutes of the game, the lead was never in single digits again, getting as high as 19 before settling in at a 14-point final.

Coach talked in the post-game about looking to push the pace.  He wants us scoring "80, 90, 100" points a game. The game was played at 75 possessions, the second-highest in MAC play for BG.  BG had a good offensive game, at 1.15 points per possession, while holding UB to .97. It was the best D1 defensive game for BG since Hampton...of course, UB came in with low rankings on both sides of the ball.

BG shot only 25% of their shots from 3FG, their lowest of the season. They made 63% of their 2FGs, which was their best non-d1 result of the season.  BG was 4 of 15 from 3FG. BG did not have a strong game on the offensive boards, and committed too many turnovers, but had 19 FTs, making 17 of 19, reversing what has been a serious weakness.

It was only the 3rd time in MAC play BG has outshot an opponent.

As mentioned in the preview, UB takes the most 3FGs in the MAC.  They look 46% of their shots from 3FG against BG, but made 33%, above their average.  They made 54% of their 2FGs shooting. They had similar games to BG on turnovers and the boards, and were badly outscored at the FT line.

Marcus Hill had one of those nights. He scored 27, on 11 of 16 shootings (all 2FGs), 5 of 6 at the line, six rebounds, 4 assists and 2 turnovers.

Agee had 18 and 10, making 7 of 10 from the field. Spurgin had 14, making 4 of 6 from 2FG and 2 of 5 from 3FG, plus 6 rebounds. Trey Thomas scored 11 on 1 of 3 and 1 of 4 shooting, but 6-7 at the line, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 turnovers, plus 2 steals.

So BG goes to 7-4 in the MAC, tied for 4th with Ohio.  Coach says that the current level of pace and offensive output is "unacceptable to me."   The Falcons have a tough road matchup with the Ragin' Cajuns and the remainder of the week off before heading up to Ypsi.

UB falls to 1-9.