Hilltoppers take the floor for first time in December against Bowling Green State

Another undefeated team is in front of the Hilltoppers. But this time, unlike last Friday, the action will go down on the hardwood.

Bowling Green State University will enter Diddle Arena tonight with an unscathed record of 4-0. The Falcons have gained wins this season over Drake, Wright State, SE Missouri State, and Detroit, with two of those victories coming by a double digit margin. So far this season BGSU has been lead by senior forward Richaun Holmes as he has been averaging near double-doubles every outing, and is averaging 15.3 points and 9.3 rebounds through. The senior knocked down an impressive 10-12 field goals in the one point victory for the Falcons against Detroit, as he secured 26 points under his name. To add to his show off night, Holmes found 18 boards and stole away five shots for blocks.

The Falcons are a decent shooting squad, as they average 43% from the floor, as well as 75% from the stripe. Bowling Green overall is solid in most stats categories, which may give way to why they are currently 4-0. The Falcons on paper look like it could be a little bit more than the current Hilltoppers play can handle.

As for the Tops, one of the key things they need to watch out for this game is the amount of turnovers they commit. This is a reoccurring theme for Hilltopper basketball teams, and for some reason this year has been more prominent than in years past with the number of turnovers committed. WKU gave up 16 possessions last outing against an even 3-3 Saint Joseph team – not that impressive. The Falcons, on the other hand give up only 12 per outing, so with four extra possessions and a better free throw percentage, BGSU could win the game tonight just based on those factors.

Another topic of interest tonight is who will win the battle of the boards. The Falcons found 41 rebounds last outing with 14 of those on the offensive end, and like I said above, Holmes was the leading force in their battle for rebounds. Holmes is going to be a guy who the Hilltoppers are going to have to keep in check for the entierty of the game. Although he is just 6-8, he has a very long build that allows him to have strength down low and the ability to find more rebounds than others, WKU will have their work cut out for them down in the front court.

I always want to say the Tops are going to win, but for this game tonight, I just can’t confidently say that. BGSU looks better on paper, and the Hilltoppers have had a rough start to the season. I still like the depth that the Hilltoppers can give throughout the game, which may show some wear and tear on the BGSU players, but the depth hasn’t proven to be a huge huge contributor so far this season.

I expect to this line-up out on the court when the ball is tipped:

T.J. Price – G
Trency Jackson – G
Chris Harrison-Docks – G
George Fant – F
Ben Lawson – F/C

If you’re in town, swing on by the E.A. Diddle Arena as WKU begins their December section to the non-conference schedule, tonight is sure to be a good one.

Next: The Hilltoppers Will Be Without Kevin Kaspar for the Rest of the Campaign