Bowling Green State University’s men’s basketball team was unable to complete a comeback against the Akron Zips on Friday night at the Stroh Center, falling 77-67 in a nationally televised game. The Falcons’ record now stands at 11-6 overall and 2-3 in the Mid-American Conference.
Akron opened the game with a strong offensive run, building a 21-2 lead before Bowling Green could respond. Despite trailing by as much as 20 points in the first half, the Falcons managed to outscore Akron 63-53 from midway through the first half onward.
The comeback attempt was led by Mayar Wol, who finished with a career-high 32 points, including 24 in the second half. Wol also scored all of Bowling Green’s first 17 points after halftime. “Mayar Wol led the Falcons with a career-high 32 points, becoming the second Falcon in the span of a week with 30+ in a game after Javontae Campbell had 47 last Saturday (Jan. 3) against UMass. This is the third time this year Wol has had 20+ in a game.” Of his total points, he made five three-pointers.
Javontae Campbell contributed with 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block for Bowling Green. He played all forty minutes for his third straight full-game appearance. Troy Glover II nearly recorded a double-double with eight points and nine rebounds.
Despite closing within three points late in regulation following an extended scoring run fueled by Wol and contributions from Josiah Shackelford and Sam Towns, Bowling Green was unable to overtake Akron as their opponents responded with key baskets down the stretch.
Bowling Green will have an extended break before its next contest due to scheduling adjustments related to an uneven number of teams in conference play this season. The Falcons are set to host Eastern Michigan at home on January 17.
For updates and more information about Bowling Green men’s basketball, fans can follow official team social media accounts on Twitter (@BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUMBB), Instagram (‘bgfalcons’ and ‘bgsumhoops’), Facebook (‘BGSU Athletics’ and ‘BGSU Men’s Hoops’), or YouTube (‘Falcon Athletics’).
