Bowling Green basketball welcomes William & Mary in MAC showdown

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By: Michael Brown

Bowling Green hosts William & Mary on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. The Falcons arrive undefeated at home with a 3-0 record. The Tribe carry a 2-2 mark on their four-game road trip. This matchup marks the first meeting between these teams in 76 years.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Bowling Green leads the nation in steals with 16.0 per game.
  • Javontae Campbell leads the country with 4.8 steals per game.
  • BGSU undefeated at home in 2025-26 with 95.3 points per game.
  • First meeting between programs since Dec. 19, 1949.
  • Game airs on ESPN+ from Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio.

What Happened: Teams Clash After 76 Years

The Bowling Green Falcons return home seeking their fourth consecutive home win. BGSU enters with momentum, sitting at 3-1 overall after nearly upsetting undefeated Davidson last weekend. The Falcons rank among the nation’s elite defensively.

According to BGSU Athletics, the team leads the nation in turnovers forced at 23.3 per game. The home crowd at Stroh Center has been a powerful advantage. Bowling Green averages 95.3 points per game and limits opponents to 57.7 points at home.

William & Mary wraps up their road trip after four games away from home. The Tribe sit at 2-2 overall with a 1-2 record on the road. W&M has demonstrated balanced scoring across their roster. Nine different players average at least six points per game.

“The Falcons are off to a 3-0 start at home this season, the first 3-0 home start for the program since 2020-21.”

BGSU Athletics, Official Program Release

Why This Matters: National Recognition for Bowling Green

This game carries weight for BGSU‘s national profile and tournament aspirations. The Falcons received votes in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll.

For William & Mary, winning on the road would provide critical momentum. The Tribe play fast-paced basketball that ranks second nationally in offensive possessions. W&M averages 18.8 assists per game, leading the CAA conference.

A Bowling Green win extends their home prowess and improves their tournament positioning. A Tribe victory validates their 2-2 start and ends the road trip successfully. The MAC conference relies on strong non-conference wins to build strength.

The Details: Comparing Key Stat Lines

Both teams bring distinctive playing styles to Stroh Center. Bowling Green emphasizes defensive intensity and ball security. William & Mary prioritizes pace and ball movement.

Category Bowling Green William & Mary
Record 3-1 2-2
Home Record 3-0 On Road
Points Per Game 93.3 (36th nationally) Balanced Scoring
Steals Per Game 16.0 (1st in nation) 9.0 (3rd in CAA)
Assists Per Game Team-high: 4.3 (Thomas) 18.8 (leads CAA)
Conference Record MAC (0-0 so far) CAA (0-0 so far)

Javontae Campbell dominates on defense for BGSU. He pulls down 4.8 steals every game. Josiah Shackelford leads the team with 15.5 points and shoots 48.8 percent from the field.

William & Mary relies on bench depth and multiple scoring options. Kyle Pulliam averages 12.3 points while Reese Miller has scored 20+ points in recent contests. The Tribe shoot well from three-point range and move the ball effectively.

What To Watch For: Key Storylines

Several elements will decide this matchup:

  • BGSU’s defensive pressure against W&M’s ball movement.
  • Whether Shackelford continues his blistering shooting pace.
  • If Campbell’s steals disrupt William & Mary flow.
  • Tribe pace of play and fast breaks versus BGSU home court.
  • Bench production from both deep rotations.

Can Bowling Green Extend the Home Winning Streak?

The Falcons have been exceptional at Stroh Center this season. Will Bowling Green stay undefeated at home? The team’s defensive intensity should give them an edge.

Meanwhile, William & Mary seeks to prove itself as a tournament team. The Tribe have shown resilience and are capable everywhere. Can their balanced attack overcome BGSU’s elite defense?

This historic showdown features two different philosophies meeting at a critical moment. BGSU looks to climb national rankings while William & Mary completes their road journey successfully. The game tips off at 7 p.m. via ESPN+. Who will emerge victorious in this rare matchup?

Sources

  • BGSU Falcons Athletics – Official game preview and player statistics
  • William & Mary Tribe Athletics – Scouting report and team information
  • ESPN – Game schedule and predictions

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