Bowling Green tops Kent St. 70-69, advances in MAC tourney

KENT, Ohio (AP) Spencer Parker scored 18 points, Wesley Alcegaire added 14 and the pair combined to hit 4 of 4 free throws in the final 16 seconds to help No. 12 seed Bowling Green beat fifth-seeded Kent State 70-69 Monday night in the first round of the Mid-American Conference tournament.

Antwon Lillard had 13 points - all in the second half - on 6-of-8 shooting for Bowling Green, which will play No. 4 seed Central Michigan (17-14) in the quarterfinals Thursday.

The Falcons (15-17) trailed 39-32 at the break but opened the second half with an 11-0 run.

Jimmy Hall made 1 of 2 free throws to tie it a 62 with 3:30 to play, but Lillard made a jumper 20 seconds later to put Bowling Green up for good. The Falcons made 6 of 8 foul shots from there to seal it.

Kellon Thomas scored 18 points, including four 3s, for Kent State (19-13).

BGSU shot 54 percent from the field.

The second half featured eight lead changes and five ties.