Honestly, if you were watching the first ten minutes of the Akron vs Bowling Green basketball game on January 9, 2026, you probably thought the Falcons were about to get run out of their own gym. It was ugly. Like, 21-2 ugly. Akron came out of the gate at the Stroh Center looking like a team that didn't just want to win, but wanted to send a message to the rest of the Mid-American Conference. John Groce has this Akron program playing with a level of discipline that’s just hard to find in mid-major hoops these days.
But that’s the thing about MAC basketball. It’s never actually over when you think it is. Bowling Green, led by Todd Simon, has this weird, gritty "never say die" identity that makes them a nightmare to close out. They clawed back. They made it a three-point game late in the second half. And then, as they usually do, the Zips just... found another gear.
The January 9th Clash: A Tale of Two Halves
The final score was 77-67 in favor of Akron, but that doesn't really tell the story of the stress levels in the building. Akron’s 14-4 record (5-1 in the MAC) isn't a fluke. They rely on a suffocating defensive shell and efficient scoring from guys like Tavari Johnson and Shammah Scott.
Bowling Green’s Mayar Wol put on an absolute clinic in the second half, though. The junior forward dropped a career-high 32 points, and at one point, he scored the Falcons’ first 17 points of the second half all by himself. 17 points! It was one of those "heat check" moments where the rim looks like a hula hoop. He was hitting from deep, scoring in the paint, and basically keeping the Falcons' season on life support single-handedly.
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The problem for BGSU? They started the game 1-for-15 from the floor. You can't do that against a team like Akron. The Zips are too polished. When the Falcons cut the lead to 64-61 with just a few minutes left, Akron didn't panic. They responded with a 7-0 run that felt like a bucket of ice water. That’s the difference between a good team and a championship-level team.
Why Akron Continues to Dominate the Matchup
If you look at the historical data, this isn't just a one-off win. Akron has now won 9 of the last 10 meetings against Bowling Green. That is a staggering statistic for a conference that prides itself on parity.
Akron’s success is built on a few specific pillars:
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- Point Guard Play: Tavari Johnson is averaging nearly 20 points and over 5 assists. He controls the tempo like a pro.
- Physicality in the Paint: Guys like Amani Lyles (6’9”) and Halil Barre provide a rim protection presence that BGSU struggled to move.
- Three-Point Variance: While Wol hit five threes for the Falcons, Akron’s overall depth—with Bowen Hardman and the Mahaffey brothers—means you can't just key in on one shooter.
Bowling Green is sitting at 12-6 overall (as of mid-January 2026) and 2-3 in the MAC. They aren't a bad team. Far from it. Javontae Campbell is a legitimate star who recently dropped 47 points against UMass. But against Akron, they seem to hit a psychological wall. The Zips' 77-67 victory was their eighth straight win in the series, dating back to 2021.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
Let's talk about the rosters because they look nothing like they did three years ago. This is the new reality of college sports. Akron has mastered the art of the "high-major bounce back." Evan Mahaffey came in from Ohio State, and Bowen Hardman did the same. These are guys who have seen Big Ten competition and don't get rattled by a loud crowd in Bowling Green, Ohio.
BGSU is playing the same game. They brought in Javon Ruffin from Colorado and Josiah Shackelford from the lower ranks. It’s a bit of a "misfit toys" approach that works when they're hitting shots, but it lacks the cohesion that Groce has built at Akron over several years.
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What's Next for Both Programs?
Akron is currently chasing the Miami RedHawks for the top spot in the MAC. With a win over Western Michigan (104-89) shortly after the BGSU game, they’ve proven they can win both defensive grinds and high-scoring shootouts. They are the most complete team in the conference.
For Bowling Green, the road doesn't get easier. They have to travel to Western Michigan next. If they want to be a factor in the MAC tournament in Cleveland this March, they have to figure out how to start games faster. You can't rely on Mayar Wol scoring 30+ points every night just to stay competitive.
Real Talk: Can BGSU Flip the Script?
If these two meet again in the MAC Tournament at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, don't be surprised if it's closer. Neutral floors change things. But right now, the Akron vs Bowling Green basketball rivalry is a bit one-sided. Akron has the size, the coaching stability, and the veteran guards.
Actionable Insights for MAC Fans:
- Watch the Standings: Akron is likely going to finish in the top two. If you’re betting or bracket-building, they are the safest "lock" for the semifinals.
- Follow Mayar Wol: He’s officially on the radar for All-MAC honors. His efficiency in the second half of the Akron game (11-of-17 shooting) proves he’s a Tier 1 scorer.
- Check the Bench: Keep an eye on Akron’s freshman Ognjen Stankovic. He’s 6’8” and playing guard minutes. If he develops by March, Akron becomes almost impossible to guard because of the length.
The Zips are the gold standard of the MAC right now. Bowling Green has the talent to be a spoiler, but until they can survive a first-half blitz from a disciplined defense, they’ll be watching the Zips celebrate at center court.