Central Michigan Edges Bowling Green in Close Contest
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · McGuirk Arena
Central Michigan Chippewas 62, Bowling Green Falcons 59, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Bowling Green Falcons vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Central Michigan Chippewas beat Bowling Green Falcons 62-59 at McGuirk Arena on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Bowling Green Falcons vs Central Michigan Chippewas?
Bowling Green Falcons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Central Michigan Chippewas triumphed over the Bowling Green Falcons with a final score of 62-59 at McGuirk Arena. This victory marks a significant moment for Central Michigan, as they improved their record to 8-15, while Bowling Green fell to 13-10. The game showcased a hard-fought battle, particularly in the second half, where both teams exchanged leads and fought for every point.
Central Michigan entered the game with a recent record of 2-8 over their last ten games, but they managed to build momentum with a win against Eastern Michigan just days prior, where they scored an impressive 100 points. Despite their struggles this season, the Chippewas demonstrated resilience and defensive prowess, particularly in limiting Bowling Green's scoring opportunities. Their average points scored over their last five games was 76.0, while they allowed an average of 79.0 points, highlighting their ongoing challenges on defense.
Bowling Green, on the other hand, had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games leading up to this fixture, but they were on a two-game losing streak, having lost to Buffalo and Toledo. The Falcons averaged 84.4 points scored during this stretch, but they also allowed 78.5 points, indicating their own defensive vulnerabilities. Their recent form suggested they would be competitive, but the pressure of the away game may have played a role in their performance.
Historically, Central Michigan has had success against Bowling Green, having won their previous meeting on February 2, 2025, with a score of 90-71. This prior victory likely provided a psychological edge for the Chippewas as they faced the Falcons again. The home-court advantage at McGuirk Arena also contributed to their confidence, as Central Michigan had a home record of 2-3 in their last five games.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have influenced the dynamics of the game. The market had priced Bowling Green as 8.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, which reflected the expectations for their performance based on their overall record and recent form. The total points for the game was set at 149.5, indicating a belief in a moderately high-scoring affair.
The game conditions were typical for indoor basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans and viewers were treated to a competitive atmosphere, with both teams showcasing their offensive skills and defensive strategies.
As the game progressed, key moments included free throws and critical layups that shifted the momentum. In the second half, Justin Thomas made crucial free throws that gave Bowling Green a brief lead, but Central Michigan's Nathan Claerbaut and Tamario Adley responded with important baskets to regain the advantage. The final moments saw Central Michigan maintain their lead with free throws from Logan McIntire, sealing the victory.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to Central Michigan's determination and ability to perform under pressure, while Bowling Green will need to reassess their strategies moving forward after this disappointing loss.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BGSU -8.5 | 149.5 o -102 / u -118 | Bowling Green Falcons -425 · Central Michigan Chippewas +330 |
Leaders
- PointsKeenan Garner18Central Michigan Chippewas
- AssistsPhat Phat Brooks6Central Michigan Chippewas
- ReboundsKeenan Garner14Central Michigan Chippewas
- PointsJavontae Campbell21Bowling Green Falcons
- AssistsJavontae Campbell4Bowling Green Falcons
- ReboundsJosiah Shackelford8Bowling Green Falcons
Recent form
Central Michigan Chippewas
Last 10: 2-8Streak W172.2 scored · 79.7 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W100-65vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 28
- L65-77at Western Michigan BroncosJan 24
- L67-68vs Ball State CardinalsJan 21
- L61-100at Miami (OH) RedHawksJan 14
- W87-85vs Kent State Golden FlashesJan 10
- L69-82at Akron ZipsJan 7
- L75-78vs Toledo RocketsJan 3
- L64-80vs Ohio BobcatsDec 30
- L61-88at Wisconsin BadgersDec 23
- L73-74at Northern Illinois HuskiesDec 20
Bowling Green Falcons
Last 10: 5-5Streak L284.4 scored · 78.5 allowed per game3-2 away
- L78-89vs Buffalo BullsJan 28
- L72-73at Toledo RocketsJan 24
- W72-54at Western Michigan BroncosJan 21
- W85-79vs Eastern Michigan EaglesJan 17
- L67-77vs Akron ZipsJan 10
- L93-96at Kent State Golden FlashesJan 7
- W101-100at Massachusetts MinutemenJan 3
- L83-93vs Miami (OH) RedHawksDec 31
- W125-66vs Siena Heights SaintsDec 22
- W68-58at Ohio BobcatsDec 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (OH) | 32-2 | - | 18-0 |
| Akron | 29-6 | 1 | 17-1 |
| Kent State | 24-10 | 4 | 14-4 |
| Toledo | 19-15 | 7 | 11-7 |
| Bowling Green | 18-14 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Ohio | 15-17 | 9 | 9-9 |
| Buffalo | 17-15 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Massachusetts | 17-16 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Ball State | 12-19 | 11 | 7-11 |
| Central Michigan | 10-21 | 12 | 6-12 |
| Western Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Eastern Michigan | 10-21 | 14 | 4-14 |
| Northern Illinois | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Bowling Green Falcons | Central Michigan Chippewas |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-67 | 26-60 |
| Field goal % | 36 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 4-16 | 3-16 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 19 |
| Free throws | 7-12 | 7-15 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 47 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 33 |
| Assists | 8 | 13 |
| Steals | 10 | 5 |
| Blocks | 6 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 44 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 66 | 26 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half30-20Jalen Kampen makes driving layup
- 1st Half32-20Sam Towns makes driving layup
- 2nd Half32-23Keenan Garner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half32-25Keenan Garner makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half32-26Keenan Garner makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half34-26Javontae Campbell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half35-26Javontae Campbell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half35-27Keenan Garner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-27Javontae Campbell makes driving layup (Justin Thomas assists)
- 2nd Half37-29Nathan Claerbaut makes 9-foot floating jump shot (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half37-31Logan McIntire makes 9-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-31Troy Glover II makes layup (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half39-33Nathan Claerbaut makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half39-35Nathan Claerbaut makes 7-foot jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half39-37Phat Phat Brooks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-38Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half39-40Jalen Kampen makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-42Keenan Garner makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half41-42Javontae Campbell makes driving layup
- 2nd Half42-42Javontae Campbell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half42-44Logan McIntire makes driving layup (Jalen Kampen assists)
- 2nd Half44-44Josiah Shackelford makes driving layup (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half45-44Javontae Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-44Javontae Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-44Josiah Shackelford makes 24-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half49-47Keenan Garner makes 24-foot three point jumper (Phat Phat Brooks assists)
- 2nd Half49-48Phat Phat Brooks makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-50Keenan Garner makes driving layup (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 2nd Half52-50Josiah Shackelford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half52-52Nathan Claerbaut makes 7-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half54-52Sam Towns makes driving layup
- 2nd Half54-54Phat Phat Brooks makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Nathan Claerbaut assists)
- 2nd Half55-54Justin Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-54Justin Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-56Nathan Claerbaut makes layup
- 2nd Half56-58Tamario Adley makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half56-60Phat Phat Brooks makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-60Josiah Shackelford makes 24-foot three point jumper (Javontae Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Logan McIntire makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-62Logan McIntire makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Central Michigan Chippewas, below favours Bowling Green Falcons.
Venue
- McGuirk ArenaMount Pleasant, MI
- Attendance5352
- OfficialsBret Wegenke, Greg Langsdorf, Jourdan Love
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