Game recap: Falcons pull away late
Bowling Green built a solid lead and never looked back, routing Chicago State 76-55 on Tuesday in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Falcons used a balanced attack and strong interior play to seize control early and sustain it through the final horn. The win improved Bowling Green’s record to 8-3, helping them reinforce their standing in the early-season horizon.
Key performances that shaped the night
Sam Towns led the way for Bowling Green with 19 points and 11 rebounds, delivering a productive double-double that anchored the Falcons’ scoring and inside presence. Towns showed efficiency on the block and around the rim, contributing crucial baskets during stretches when Chicago State tried to close the gap.
Javon Ruffin added a dynamic all-around effort, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. Ruffin’s playmaking helped Bowing Green maintain offensive tempo, creating several high-percentage looks for teammates and keeping the visitors on their heels.
Troy Glover contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double of his own and providing a reliable inside-outside balance for the Falcons. The balance across Towns, Ruffin, and Glover gave Bowling Green multiple engines to rely on as Chicago State struggled to translate stops into quick scores.
How the Falcons built their margin
The Falcons opened with energy on both ends, locking in on defense and forcing miscues that translated into transition opportunities. Offensively, they found rhythm by mixing mid-range jumpers with decisive drives to the basket, keeping their lead intact as the game wore on.
Rebounding was another critical factor, with Bowling Green controlling the boards and limiting second-chance opportunities for Chicago State. That edge allowed the Falcons to extend their advantage in each stretch, even when the Cougars charged with moments of scoring runs.
Chicago State’s night and potential takeaways
Chicago State fought to stay within striking distance in the first half but struggled to sustain offense over four quarters. The Cougars stepped up efforts defensively at times, yet they couldn’t consistently disrupt Bowling Green’s rhythm. Rebounding and ball security remained areas to target as they move further into the season.
Individually, Chicago State’s efforts did not come up short on effort, but the lack of additional scoring options outside the top performers limited their capacity to close the gap. Moving forward, the Cougars will look to capitalize on defensive holds and create more offensive balance to challenge higher-caliber opponents.
Looking ahead
Bowling Green will aim to build on this home win as they continue their season on a positive track. The Falcons’ depth and balance give them flexibility in rotations and a path to maintain offensive momentum in upcoming games. Chicago State, meanwhile, will regroup and seek to translate defensive intensity into more consistent offense as they re-enter conference play.
