The Bowling Green State University men’s basketball team set a new Mid-American Conference (MAC) record with 27 steals in their 120-65 win over Bethany College at the Stroh Center on Thursday. This performance marked only the fifth time in program history that Bowling Green has scored more than 120 points in a game.
The Falcons’ aggressive defense generated 45 points off turnovers, helping them pull away after an early exchange of baskets with Bethany. The team also made 36 free throws, coming within four of their all-time program record. Eight different players reached double figures in scoring, the most since December 2021.
Javontae Campbell led Bowling Green with 24 points and five steals. Other key contributors included Sam Towns with 14 points and four rebounds, Aiden Goins with 12 points and three steals, Camden Karel with 11 points and six rebounds, and Mayar Wol who had 11 points and four steals.
Bowling Green’s defensive effort broke the previous MAC record for steals in a game—set by Western Michigan in November 1984—by one. The Falcons are now 2-0 to start the season, both wins coming at home. Their next game is scheduled for Sunday against Le Moyne at the Stroh Center.
Coach Simon’s team has shot above fifty percent from the field in both games so far this season while holding opponents below forty percent shooting. Under his leadership, BGSU holds an 11-1 record when surpassing fifty percent shooting and a 16-3 mark when limiting opponents under forty percent.
Additional highlights from Thursday’s win include Troy Glover II surpassing the 1,000 career point mark at the collegiate level and Campbell moving past the career milestone of 500 points as a Falcon. Freshman Camden Karel notched his first collegiate points and tied for the team lead in rebounds.
This victory is Bowling Green’s first ever over Bethany College, increasing its tally to wins over 269 unique opponents throughout program history.
The Falcons will host Le Moyne on Sunday before traveling to face Davidson on November 15.
