Monday, November 9
Bowling Green, Ohio
7 p.m.
Bowling Green State University
vs
Cleveland State
Photo by: Daniel Wilson/ Georgia State Athletics
November 06, 2026 | Men's Basketball
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University men's basketball team will play host to Cleveland State on Monday evening in its home opener. The Falcons and Vikings are set for a 7 p.m. tip at the Stroh Center and the game will be available to stream on ESPN+ with a radio feed from Todd Walker available on WFRO Eagle 99.Â
Opening Tip
At The Game
Pudge's Birthday Party/ SAAC Food Drive
Clear Bag MandateÂ
For fans attending any games moving forward at BGSU venues, including the Stroh Center, a clear bag mandate will be in effect. Media attending will need to use only the media entrance as part of the mandate. For more information, please click here to see the mandate.
A Bowling Green Win Would…
A MILESTONE 112 YEARS IN THE MAKING
With Monday's victory over Georgia State, the program notched its 1,500th win in Bowling Green men's basketball history and made the Falcons just the fourth current MAC program to reach 1,500 all-time wins, joining Akron (1,774), Ohio (1,660), and Toledo (1,605). Since the Falcons' first season in 1915-16, BGSU has reached the 112th season of BG basketball in 2026-27. During that time, the program has captured 12 MAC regular-season championships, made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and reached the Sweet 16 three times. Bowling Green's all-time win total has been fueled by some of the most successful stretches in program history, including a 22-win season in 1958-59, a school-record 31 victories and NCAA Sweet 16 run in 1962-63, and 24-win campaigns in both 1967-68 and 2021-22.
THE SIMON EFFECT
Since taking over the Bowling Green men's basketball program, head coach Todd Simon has made an immediate impact. In his first season at Bowling Green, the Falcons posted their highest win total since 2021-22 and showed improvement on both ends of the floor, continuing a pattern that has defined Simon's career. Known for developing talent, creating disciplined defensive teams and engineering rapid program rebuilds, Simon has guided teams to conference championships, postseason appearances and multiple 20-win seasons.
2026-27 SCHEDULE
Bowling Green's 2026-27 schedule features seven non-conference contests inside the Stroh Center against Cleveland State, Niagara, Northern Illinois, Gardner-Webb, Cornerstone and Aquinas. The Falcons' non-conference road schedule includes tilts at Indiana and William & Mary. BGSU begins its 22-game Mid-American Conference schedule, which begins on Dec. 2 at Kent State. Bowling Green will face Cornerstone and Aquinas on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 before rounding out their non-conference slate when they play host to a Sun Belt opponent on Feb. 6.
NEW FACES
Bowling Green features a significantly revamped roster in 2026-27, with several newcomers expected to play key roles. Transfers Trey Simmons (Frostburg State), Tristan Beckford (South Florida), Juan Cranford Jr. (Eastern Kentucky) and Zach Howell (Drury) bring collegiate experience and versatility to the Falcons' lineup, while freshmen KJ Torbert and Talan Staley provide additional talent on the perimeter. Those additions join a returning core that includes Makhi Leach, Christian Dedivanaj and Josiah Shackelford, giving head coach Todd Simon a blend of proven experience and young talent entering the 2026-27 campaign.
MR. BASKETBALL, RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Freshman guard KJ Torbert arrived in Bowling Green with a basketball pedigree few players in the country can match. Torbert was named Michigan Mr. Basketball as the state's top high school player, following in the footsteps of his father, Kevin Torbert, who also earned Michigan Mr. Basketball honors during his prep career. The Torberts are one of the rare father-son combinations to both claim the prestigious award, placing them in an exclusive group of Michigan basketball royalty. The honor has been awarded annually since 1981 and features a distinguished list of winners that includes NBA standouts such as Chris Webber, Jason Richardson, Draymond Green and Jalen Rose. KJ was ranked as the number two player in the State of Michigan for the 2026 class by 247Sports, averging 25.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.5 assists per game. He led his East Lansing team to a State Championship in 2024-25 and was named MVP while also being a four-time All-State, All-City and All-Conference First Team selection. For the Falcons, KJ's arrival brings not only elite talent to the roster, but also a family legacy built on being recognized as the best high school basketball player in one of the nation's premier basketball states.
SCOUTING THE VIKINGS
Cleveland State posted an 11-22 overall record in the 2025-26 season, breaking a six-year stretch of 20-win seasons. The Vikings enters the 2026-27 campaign looking to take a step forward in year two under head coach Rob Summers where they reloaded their roster with several experienced transfers, including Rayvon Griffith from MAC-foe Kent State, Derek Vorst from Indiana St., and Jordan Lowery from UT Arlington, while adding size and versatility across the lineup.
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BGSU vs. CLEVELAND STATE, ALL-TIME
Bowling Green and Cleveland State have met 19 times with the Falcons holding an 11-8 advantage in the all-time series. BGSU has won five of the last seven meetings between the programs, including a 72-58 victory in the most recent matchup on Dec. 15, 2019, at the Stroh Center. The series dates back to January 1972, and Bowling Green's largest victory in the series was a 101-66 win on Jan. 28, 1976.
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' men's basketball team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUMBB
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsumhoops'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics' and 'BGSU Men's Hoops'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
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Opening Tip
- The Falcons hosts Cleveland State for its home opener on Monday evening inside the Stroh Center.
- The Falcons hold an 11-8 lead in the all-time series between the two programs and earned a 72-58 victory in the most recent meeting in 2019.
- The Bowling Green men's basketball continues its 112th season in program history.
- BGSU welcomes nine newcomers consisting of six transfers and three incoming freshmen to join the six returners from last season's roster - Makhi Leach, Josiah Shackelford, Christian Dedivanaj, Preston Squire, Camden Karel and Aiden Goins.
At The Game
Pudge's Birthday Party/ SAAC Food Drive
- Take your photo with Pudge during pregame and sing Happy Birthday to him at halftime!
- The first 500 students to arrive at the game will receive a free slice of pizza, courtesy of head coach Todd Simon!
- The first 500 fans to arrive at the Stroh Center will receive a free Pudge Plush stuffed animal!
- In support of SAAC's food drive, anyone who brings a canned good will receive a free ticket!
- Falcon Hour is now available before all men's and women's basketball games! From 6-7 p.m. all non-alcoholic beverages, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Yuengling and snacks will be 50% off. Available at all concessions stand on the concourse!
- Students can now use Falcon Dollars at The Perch, the concession stand closest to the student entrance.
Clear Bag MandateÂ
For fans attending any games moving forward at BGSU venues, including the Stroh Center, a clear bag mandate will be in effect. Media attending will need to use only the media entrance as part of the mandate. For more information, please click here to see the mandate.
A Bowling Green Win Would…
- Mark the fourth time in the past five seasons that Bowling Green won its initial two games of the season.
- Improve to 12-8 in the all-time series against Cleveland State.
A MILESTONE 112 YEARS IN THE MAKING
With Monday's victory over Georgia State, the program notched its 1,500th win in Bowling Green men's basketball history and made the Falcons just the fourth current MAC program to reach 1,500 all-time wins, joining Akron (1,774), Ohio (1,660), and Toledo (1,605). Since the Falcons' first season in 1915-16, BGSU has reached the 112th season of BG basketball in 2026-27. During that time, the program has captured 12 MAC regular-season championships, made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and reached the Sweet 16 three times. Bowling Green's all-time win total has been fueled by some of the most successful stretches in program history, including a 22-win season in 1958-59, a school-record 31 victories and NCAA Sweet 16 run in 1962-63, and 24-win campaigns in both 1967-68 and 2021-22.
THE SIMON EFFECT
Since taking over the Bowling Green men's basketball program, head coach Todd Simon has made an immediate impact. In his first season at Bowling Green, the Falcons posted their highest win total since 2021-22 and showed improvement on both ends of the floor, continuing a pattern that has defined Simon's career. Known for developing talent, creating disciplined defensive teams and engineering rapid program rebuilds, Simon has guided teams to conference championships, postseason appearances and multiple 20-win seasons.
2026-27 SCHEDULE
Bowling Green's 2026-27 schedule features seven non-conference contests inside the Stroh Center against Cleveland State, Niagara, Northern Illinois, Gardner-Webb, Cornerstone and Aquinas. The Falcons' non-conference road schedule includes tilts at Indiana and William & Mary. BGSU begins its 22-game Mid-American Conference schedule, which begins on Dec. 2 at Kent State. Bowling Green will face Cornerstone and Aquinas on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29 before rounding out their non-conference slate when they play host to a Sun Belt opponent on Feb. 6.
NEW FACES
Bowling Green features a significantly revamped roster in 2026-27, with several newcomers expected to play key roles. Transfers Trey Simmons (Frostburg State), Tristan Beckford (South Florida), Juan Cranford Jr. (Eastern Kentucky) and Zach Howell (Drury) bring collegiate experience and versatility to the Falcons' lineup, while freshmen KJ Torbert and Talan Staley provide additional talent on the perimeter. Those additions join a returning core that includes Makhi Leach, Christian Dedivanaj and Josiah Shackelford, giving head coach Todd Simon a blend of proven experience and young talent entering the 2026-27 campaign.
MR. BASKETBALL, RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Freshman guard KJ Torbert arrived in Bowling Green with a basketball pedigree few players in the country can match. Torbert was named Michigan Mr. Basketball as the state's top high school player, following in the footsteps of his father, Kevin Torbert, who also earned Michigan Mr. Basketball honors during his prep career. The Torberts are one of the rare father-son combinations to both claim the prestigious award, placing them in an exclusive group of Michigan basketball royalty. The honor has been awarded annually since 1981 and features a distinguished list of winners that includes NBA standouts such as Chris Webber, Jason Richardson, Draymond Green and Jalen Rose. KJ was ranked as the number two player in the State of Michigan for the 2026 class by 247Sports, averging 25.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 2.5 assists per game. He led his East Lansing team to a State Championship in 2024-25 and was named MVP while also being a four-time All-State, All-City and All-Conference First Team selection. For the Falcons, KJ's arrival brings not only elite talent to the roster, but also a family legacy built on being recognized as the best high school basketball player in one of the nation's premier basketball states.
SCOUTING THE VIKINGS
Cleveland State posted an 11-22 overall record in the 2025-26 season, breaking a six-year stretch of 20-win seasons. The Vikings enters the 2026-27 campaign looking to take a step forward in year two under head coach Rob Summers where they reloaded their roster with several experienced transfers, including Rayvon Griffith from MAC-foe Kent State, Derek Vorst from Indiana St., and Jordan Lowery from UT Arlington, while adding size and versatility across the lineup.
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BGSU vs. CLEVELAND STATE, ALL-TIME
Bowling Green and Cleveland State have met 19 times with the Falcons holding an 11-8 advantage in the all-time series. BGSU has won five of the last seven meetings between the programs, including a 72-58 victory in the most recent matchup on Dec. 15, 2019, at the Stroh Center. The series dates back to January 1972, and Bowling Green's largest victory in the series was a 101-66 win on Jan. 28, 1976.
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' men's basketball team on social media
Twitter - @BGSU_Athletics and @BGSUMBB
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsumhoops'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics' and 'BGSU Men's Hoops'
YouTube - 'Falcon Athletics'
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