Justin Turner’s jumper with 2.2 seconds left in regulation capped off a wild second half comeback for Bowling Green and cruelly ended the Bobcats’ upset bid in a 62-61 Falcons victory over Ohio Saturday at the Stroh Center.
The upstart Bobcats, looking to spring an upset on division leading Bowling Green, used the three-point shot to quickly take control of the opening twenty minutes. Ohio’s lead grew to as many as 18 points with 6:54 left in the first half, thanks to three straight three-pointers.
Ohio hit nine total three-pointers in the first half and took an impressive 39-24 lead to the break.
The second half started with the Falcons reminding Ohio, and all in attendance, why they entered the day in first place. Taking their game to another level, Bowling Green started the second half on an 11-0, and after only three minutes, made it a one possession game again.
Over the next 16 minutes the teams traded baskets, turnovers and amazing individual plays to see the score tied with 60 seconds to play. An and-one layup from Ohio’s Ben Vander Plas, gave the Bobcats a 61-58 lead with 43 seconds left in regulation.
Bowling Green quickly answered on the next possession with two foul shots by Turner, to cut Ohio’s lead to one.
A missed one-and-one by Ohio’s Ben Roderick gave Bowling Green the ball back, and Turner the opportunity he was looking for. Turner grabbed the rebound and calmly dribbled the time down before hitting a step-back jumper at top of the key with 2.2 seconds left to ensure victory for the Falcons.
Bowling Green was led on the day by Trey Diggs with 22 points, including seven three-pointers.
Ohio was again led by Jason Preston with 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Falcons return to action on Tuesday when they host Akron in a huge first place showdown.
The Bobcats head back home to Athens where they will entertain Buffalo on Tuesday night.
MAC Wrap (Cleveland Sports Report) 