OXFORD, Ohio -- Bowling Green got its offense rolling Tuesday, hitting 60 percent from the floor as the Falcons knocked off Miami 81-70 at Millett Hall.
It was the second meeting between the two MAC East squads, with each team winning on the road. Miami (9-9, 2-3 MAC) opened conference play Jan. 2 with a 77-72 victory at the Stroh Center. Freshman Dalonte Brown keyed the MU win, scoring 16 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.
It was a different . . .
Another difference this time around was the availability of sophomore Dylan Frye, who played 34 minutes Tuesday after injury cut his earlier Miami encounter to 13 minutes.
Frye was one of four Falcons in double figures this time, scoring 16 points. Junior forward Demajeo Wiggins had another big game, leading the way with 22 points and 15 caroms. He made eight of nine shots from the field and 6 of 7 at the line.
Sophomore Rodrick Caldwell knocked down 12 points, while freshman Daeqwon Plowden chipped in 10 points. He hit all four shots from the field, including a pair of treys.
Two RedHawks reached double figures. Nike Sibande (20) and Jalen Adaway (17) combined for just over half of Miami’s team total (70 points), made field goals (13 of 24) and made 3-pointers 4 of 6.
As a team, Miami shot 40 percent from the field (24 of 60) and 28.6 percent (6 of 21) from long distance. With the Falcons connecting on 60 percent overall and 46.2 percent on threes, MU was fighting an uphill battle. Bowling Green also earned an advantage at the free throw line (BG 21 of 25) (MU 16 of 26).
The visitors jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and stayed in front until Sibande drained a three at 12:33 for a 15-14 Miami edge. After trading scores, Miami went on a 7-2 run for a 24-18 advantage. By game’s end, there would be eight lead changes and six ties.
The RedHawks owned a 32-30 halftime edge, but Bowling Green’s offense piled up 51 second-half points. It was 45-all at 15:16 and Plowden followed shortly thereafter with a three to move the Falcons in front.
Wiggins scored on a layup at 6:48 to kick off an 11-1 Falcons burst. He closed the stretch with another layup, leaving the visitors up 69-58 and they maintained a comfortable advantage the rest of the way.