Bowling Green basketball to face Isiah Thomas' FIU

9/9/2009

BOWLING GREEN - The Falcons men's basketball team has added two intriguing contests to its 2009-2010 schedule.

BG will play at Iowa on Nov. 20 and play host to Florida International - coached by former NBA great Isiah Thomas - on Nov. 30.

"It's all about preparation and getting ready for the MAC regular season schedule and also getting a chance to compete against some quality teams," BG coach Louis Orr said.

The two additional games will give the Falcons 29 regular season games, including 14 scheduled at Anderson Arena.

The Falcons finished 19-14 a year ago and are the defending MAC regular season champions. They had been working on adding games to their schedule, but it wasn't until recently deals were finalized with Iowa and Florida International.

While the road game against the Hawkeyes figures to be a tough road challenge, the meeting with Florida International should stir plenty of excitement at Anderson Arena.

Thomas starred at Indiana University - taking the Hoosiers to the 1981 NCAA title - before leading the Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles. Thomas coached in the NBA and also served as an NBA executive prior to being named the Florida International coach earlier this year.

"I think it's a quality home game and a little marquee flavor with Isiah on the sidelines," Orr said.

Yet, Orr made it clear he expects the crowd turnout to provide huge support for the Falcons.

"I hope our fans will come out to see the Falcons play because that has to be the main draw," he said. "If it [Isiah's appearance] helps

attendance, then I'm all for it."

In addition, the Falcons have rescheduled their home game with Wisconsin-Milwaukee to take place on Nov. 28. It was originally to take place on Nov. 21.

-Donald Emmons