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Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
EASTERN MICHIGAN
Samarco Leads Bowling Green Past Eastern Michigan
January 18, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 18, 2006
Final Stats | Quotes | Notes
YPSILANTI, Mich. (AP) -- Martin Samarco scored 23 of his career-high 35 points in the second half Wednesday night to rally Bowling Green to a 79-72 Mid-American Conference victory over Eastern Michigan. Samarco, who grew up in Ypsilanti and attended nearby Belleville High School appeared nervous early in the game as he played in front of several friends and family, but settled in to carry the Falcons to its third road win of the season.
Steven Wright added 17 points for the Falcons (7-8, 3-2), who have won two straight.
John Bowler scored 18 and Gino Smith had 16 points for the Eagles (3-10, 0-5). Eastern has lost six straight games and is off to its worst conference start since starting the 2000-01 season with 10 consecutive losses.
Bowling Green trailed 33-32 at halftime but used a 12-0 run early in the second half to open a 54-46 lead. Samarco sparked the rally with two 3-pointers and a layup. The Falcons raised the margin to 59-49 with 9:07 remaining.
The Eagles slowly chipped away at the deficit and pulled within 75-72 when Bowler split a pair of free throws with 30.9 seconds left. But Wright and Samarco each hit two free throws in the final 19 seconds to seal the win.
After falling behind 13-4 at the start of the game, Eastern scored 17 of the next 19 points to go in front 21-15. The Eagles held the lead until Wright's layup pushed the Falcons ahead 32-30 with 1:19 left in the half. Bowler gave Eastern the halftime advantage with a 3-pointer with 30 seconds to play.
Both teams combined for 37 turnovers, including a season-high 23 by Eastern.
