Can BG MBB Make it 4 MAC Wins In a Row

 Last year, starting on February 21, when Javonte Campbell daggered the Rockets at the buzzer, BG started a winning streak that ran to four straight MAC games.  BG moved from 4-9 to 8-9 and eventually qualified for Cleveland.  This year, the hole isn't as big, and we're already at 3 in a row...this is a tough week, though.  However, to the extent you are thinking you want to make that big run and win the MAC, these are the teams you will need to beat at Rocket Arena.

The next opponent is Kent State. They are 22-9/20-9/10-3 and in 3rd place in the MAC.  Their losses in conference are to Miami and Akron, the top two teams in the MAC, and then an inexplicable loss to CMU in Mt. Pleasant.

BG played a really tough game against Kent and probably should have won the game.  BG played with Ruffin out and Thomas essentially out. The score range was 13 points.  If you recall, BG was up 1 with :13 to play and had a stop.  But Campbell lost the ball in his legs, and Delrecco Gillespie picked it up and scored, putting Kent in the lead, and they went on to win.

It was a big offensive game for both teams.  It was BG's best offense in a losing effort this year.

Kent has now beaten BG 13 straight. It has been 2,544 days since we beat Kent.

All in all, this isn't the greatest Kent team.  They are #6 in offense and #5 in defense.

On offense, they are 11th in shooting, 10th from 2FG, and from 3FG. They are 5th in trying 3FGs. Their offensive strengths are offensive rebounding and getting to the line, both of which they are #1 at.  They are good at the line, shooting 76%. BG is #2 on the defensive boards, and that will be a key battle.  BG needs those boards to get into transition. Our work on the boards is pretty consistent, although UT really crashed the boards last time.

Back when we played all zone with Orr, Kent always had a game plan for attacking it.

Flipping it around, Kent is #2 against the shot, but they don't force turnovers. They are pretty good on the defensive boards (#5) and #8 at putting opponents on the line. They are #3 in defending the 3FG and the 2FG.  And yet, BG scored against them last time.

Kent is led by Delrecco Gillespie, a truly outstanding big man. He had 32 points and 10 rebounds in the first one. (MAC games only). He averages a double-double, 19.1/12.8.  That's 3rd in the MAC in scoring and 1st in rebounding.  He shoots 56% from 2FG and 81% at the line.  He insists on trying 3FGs and makes 29%. He's #2 in blocked shots. He draws 6 fouls a game. He's a career Flash who really rounded into form this year.

Rob Whaley is Gillespie's cousin and transferred from UNLV.  He is scoring 13.5 PPG on 55% 2FG shooting. He battled four trouble in the first meeting.

Morgan Safford transferred from Miami. He is scoring 12.8 PPG 49%/29%/82%.

Cian Medley leads the MAC with 6.9 APG.

So here we go.  BG will need that same all-possession intensity, because you know Kent will bring it.  Let's hope for a big crowd after the UT win.  BG is a 2.5-point favorite.  Let's snap that streak.