BG MBB "Can't Get Over the Top" vs. Kent

BG played one of its better games of the last month last night at the Stroh, but eventually fell 91-84 to a Kent team that is peaking at the right time, as they often seem to do.

BG played a terrible first half.  They were 6 of 21 on 2FG and 2 of 9 on 3FG, shooting 27% overall.  Only 10 FTs made the result somewhat respectable.  BG made 7 turnovers and coach said we missed 7 layups.  BG was down 13....and the Falcons had played so poorly that Coach was able, with a straight face, to tell his team that they were lucky to only be down 13 and could still get into the game.

BG played much better in the second half, even as Thomas missed the last 14 minutes and Felt battled foul trouble.  Every time BG seemed to get it where they were back in touch, Kent responded with a basket and usually an easy one.

With about 13 left, BG had it to 5.  Crowd is getting into it.  Need a stop....KS layup.

From that point, Kent blew the lead back up to over 10 and appeared to have the game in control.  The Falcons might be a lot of things, but they are battlers.  With 5 minutes left, Kent was up 12.  BG went on a 10-2 run, featuring 7 points and a steal by Javonte Campbell, who is an absolute warrior.  

With 3:02 left, the lead was 4.  Crowd's into it.  Need a stop.  VonCameron gets a mismatch with Humphrey and bullies home a 2FG.  Actually and-one, but he didn't convert.

Campbell rebounds and he comes down and scores again.  Still 4 points, 2:48 left.

Perhaps the game's pivotal play comes next.  Johnson blocks Hornbeak, but on the pursuit for the ball Butler was called for a ridiculous foul.  Sullinger hits both FTs, and the lead is up to 6.

BG raced down again and Campbell was fouled.  He hit both FTs and it was 4 with 2:01 left.  Need a stop.

Sullinger drew a foul and sunk both FTs.

Johnson missed a 3FG and Kent ran clock.  Sullinger charged on the left side and was probably 12 feet away when he let a floater go that was nothing but net.  Kent up 8 with 1:24 left.

BG did get it to 4 one more time.  Johnson hit a 3FG, BG got a stop, Campbell on the board and Kent fouled Buter.  He split the FTs to get it back to 4 but it was just under :30, so the foul game was on.  Kent made 3 of 4 coming home and won by 7.

The game was played at 72 possessions, which is a victory for BG.

BG had 1.17 points per possession against the most efficient defense in the MAC.  That's usually a winning number, but they allowed Kent 1.26.  Kent presents matchup issues for us, and they are as good as anyone at isolating those matchups and not getting fancy.  They made 67% of their 2FGs, for example.

And they have Jalen Sullinger, who I hope we have seen the last of.  He had 32 points on 7 of 10 shooting and 15-15 at the line.  He also had 5 boards, 5 assists and 1 turnover.

BG was outshot pretty badly.  They made the game close by taking good care of the ball and really battling a Kent team that always rebounds very well.  And BG had the advantage at the line, which you expect.  Kent will foul you rather than let you hit an easy shot.  It impacts your 2FG% and your free throw opportunities.

BG had a good night at the line, 27-37 (79%).  KS was 20-23 for 87%.

Javonte Campbell is just gutting it out for us.  He has not practiced since January 6. He cannot shoot a 3FG and everyone knows it and defends him accordingly. He had 26 points on 7 of 11 shooting, 12 of 15 at the line, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 turnovers.  It's maybe the biggest "what could have been" for our team.

Johnson had 21 on a less efficient night, 2 of 7 from 2FG and 5 of 13 from 3FG.  There isn't always much he can do...on many possessions he seems to be the only guy willing to shoot.

Exacte had 11 on 3 of 5 and 1 of 1 shooting and 7 rebounds.  I really like this guy's potential and hope we see him continue to grow here at BG.

Felt had 8 points and 9 rebounds.

As mentioned, Trey Thomas went down on a flagrant foul and did not return.  That will need to be monitored as we head to Savage Friday night.

In the MAC, things did not go well.  WMU and EMU won, putting BG 2 games out of the 8th spot with 5 to play.  It's going to be tough.  Not out of reach, but very tough.