BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- The Bowling Green Falcons shot 55.1 percent from the floor and cashed in at the free throw line to hold off Kent State 77-72 Friday.
It was a bounce-back win for the Falcons, who had dropped two straight for the first time since early December. With two regular season tilts left, Bowling Green raised its record to 20-9 overall and 12-4 in MAC play. The Falcons are at Akron and No. 21 Buffalo next week.
Against the Falcons, Kent State hit 40.6 percent from the field. Although the hosts were at 55.1 percent, KSU actually had one more field goals (28-21) thanks, in part to a 41-30 rebounding advantage. The Flashes also had one more 3-point goals (7-6), but that came on a 7-of-29 performance outside the arc. Bowling Green made 6-of-17 from distance.
A key to the outcome came at the foul line. Although the Falcons hit just 63 percent at the stripe compared to Kent State’s 75 percent, the hosts had 27 opportunities and made 17. KSU was 9-of-12 on charity tosses.
Jalen Walker led all scorers with 26 points, although it included 9-of-29 from the field and 4-of-16 outside the arc. Antonio Williams was the only other Flashes player in double figures. He made 7-of-14 from the field on the way to 14 points and added 10 caroms.
Justin Turner paced the Falcons with 18 points, hitting 6-of-9 overall, 3-of-4 treys and 3-of-5 free throws. Antwon Lillard collected 14 points, while Demajeo Wiggins added 13 points and eight boards.
Bowling Green jumped out to an early 10-4 lead and went up by 14 at 5:10 on a Lillard slam.
The Falcons held a 34-27 halftime advantage, but Kent State took a 55-54 lead after Williams scored with a layup at 9:29.
Two Marlon Sierra free throws put BG back in front and, while the Flashes stayed close. Bowling Green managed to maintain a lead through the final horn.