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Bowling Green State University Athletics
BGSU 77, Detroit 60
December 22, 2001 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 22, 2001
The victory over Detroit (90th in the RPI) is the fifth for the Falcons this season over a team ranked among the top 100 schools in the ratings percentage index. BGSU also has defeated Ole Miss (36), Marist (61), Duquesne (75) and UNC Wilmington (91). BGSU entered the game ranked 18th in the country in the RPI, the highest of any MAC school.
The Falcons 9-1 start is the best for a non-Harold Anderson era team at BGSU.
The Falcons eight-game winning streak is the longest since BGSU won 10 in a row from January 12, 1980 to February 9, 1980.
The Falcons held the Titans to one field goal from the 13:53 mark in the second half to the 1:52 mark, a span of 12:01. BGSU outscored them 22-10 in that time.
The win over Detroit marked the 15th straight at Anderson Arena against a non-conference foe. The Titans were the last non-MAC team to win in Anderson Arena, 72-70 on November 24, 1998. BGSU is 18-2 at home against non-conference teams since Dan Dakich took over the program in 1997.
BGSU is the first MAC team to defeat Detroit in five tries, this season. The Titans have wins over Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Toledo and Central Michigan.
The trio of Keith McLeod (24), Len Matela (23) and Brandon Pardon (20) combined for 67 of the teams 77 points. It marked the first time the Falcons had three players score 20 points in a game since Cory Ryan, Matela and McLeod scored 20 apiece against Evansville in the season opener last year.
With his 24 points, Keith McLeod moved past Nate Thurmond for 15th place on the BGSU all-time scoring list with 1,357 points.
Len Matela had his second double-double of the year (23 points, 12 rebounds) and 24th of his career.
Brandon Pardon scored a season-high 20 points. It was his second career 20-point game. He scored 24 last season against Urbana.
With McLeod's 10 free throws made, it marked the fourth time this season and 12th time in his career he has made at least 10 free throws in a game.
The 28 points allowed by the Falcons in the second half is the second lowest opponent output in a half this season. Marist scored 19 points in the first half earlier this year.
The Falcons will visit Indiana State (2-8) next Saturday for a 2:05 contest.
