Bowling Green State University Athletics
Bowling Green State University
Northern Colorado
BGSU Defeats Northern Colorado, 63-53
December 19, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 19, 2006
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Bowling Green, Ohio - Junior Ryne Hamblet scored 15 first half points enroute to a career-high 20 point effort and BGSU used a 19-2 run midway in an eight minute span in the first 20 minutes to take control of the game as the Falcons defeated Northern Colorado, 63-53, Tuesday night.
The Falcons, who have won five of their last six games, fell behind 13-4 with 13:17 left in the first half, but the Falcons began their 17-point turnaround with 12:02 remaining in the first half on a three-pointer by senior Martin Samarco.
Freshman Brandon Bland provided a spark on defense and scored inside to cut the lead to 15-10 and following a steal and layup by sophomore Dusan Radivojevic the Falcons were within 15-12 with 10:48 left in the half.
Hamblet would score the next nine points for the Falcons as he drilled three straight long distance shots and BGSU built the lead to 23-15 on a jumper by sophomore Brian Moten with 5:22 remaining before intermission.
The Falcons led 27-17 on a layup by senior Matt Lefeld and built their 30-19 advantage just before halftime on a steal by sophomore Darryl Clements who fed Hamblet for an alley-oop layup and subsequent free throw after he was fouled.
In the second half, BGSU was able to maintain its double-digit lead thanks in large part to 17 second half points by Samarco. The Bears were able to cut the lead to 48-42 on a pair of free throws with 8:07 left in the game.
However, BGSU held UNC without a field goal for a three minute period and led 53-42 with 5:46 to go on another long distance toss by Hamblet.
The Falcons then made 10 of 12 free throws in the final five minutes to seal the win.
Samarco led the Falcons with 22 points and in addition to Hamblet's 20 points, he added four rebounds, four assists and four steals in 34 minutes off the bench. He was largely responsible for the Falcons' 31-5 scoring edge off the bench.
BGSU improves to 6-3, while UNC falls to 2-9. BGSU will play its next four games away from home starting Friday at 7 p.m. against Marshall.
The Falcons, who lead the MAC in field goal percentage defense and steals improved on their season averages allowing the Bears to shoot just 34 percent from the field, while also collecting 11 steals.
