Ohio University (15-16) Vs. Bowling Green (18-12)
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GAME NOTES: The top-seeded Bowling Green Falcons will take the court this evening when they battle the ninth-seeded Ohio University Bobcats in the quarterfinal round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament at the Quicken Loans Center. The Bobcats opened this event with a solid, 62-55 victory over Western Michigan in opening round action. Ohio closed out its regular season with five losses in its last six games, finishing with a 7-9 mark in league action. As for the Falcons, they defeated Ohio in their regular-season finale, capturing a share of the MAC title and the top seed in the tournament. BGSU posted an 11-5 mark in conference play and won three of its last four games entering this tournament. The Falcons captured both matchups against the Bobcats this season and now hold a comfortable 68-57 edge in the all-time series against Ohio.
The Bobcats put forth a tenacious defensive effort in the win over Western Michigan, as Ohio held the Broncos to a poor 33.9 percent shooting effort, which included a 7-of-24 showing behind the arc. Throughout the season the Bobcats have done a solid job defensively, holding opponents to just 64.7 ppg. Ohio is also forcing 15.0 turnovers per matchup, while collecting 213 steals on the year. At the other end of the floor the team is being paced by Jerome Tillman, who was named to the All-MAC First Team. Tillman comes into the contest leading the team with 17.8 ppg and 7.9 rpg. Justin Orr is the only other player netting double figures for Ohio, which as a team is producing just 65.0 ppg.
The Falcons have also relied on a stingy defensive approach, as the squad is holding teams to just 60.8 ppg, and a meager 39.0 percent shooting effort. BGSU is also limiting opponents to an equally poor 30.6 percent shooting display from long range, and has also recorded 207 steals. At the other end of the court, the team has not been as reliable, with Bowling Green averaging just 64.2 ppg, behind a mediocre 43.0 percent shooting. Nate Miller has done a little of everything for BSGU, including leading the squad in scoring with 12.7 ppg. Miller is also contributing 7.5 rpg, 2.4 apg and has collected a team-high 57 steals. Brian Moten is contributing 11.4 ppg, while Darryl Clements is netting 10.1 ppg, to go along with 3.0 apg.
The Falcons dismantled the Bobcats this past Sunday, and while it will be hard to duplicate a similar performance, expect Bowling Green to soar to victory once again.
Predicted OutcomeBowling Green 71, Ohio 55Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
