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Seniors Moten (1), Miller (20) and Clements (2) have powered the Falcons

In the final seconds of what was a two-point game at the time, BG’s Nate Miller grabs a crucial rebound of a missed shot by Akron. Not the best free-throw shooter on the team, Miller quickly gets the ball to Darryl Clements, who is the Falcons’ best free-throw shooter. Clements automatically looks up the court, knowing that Brian Moten will be looking to get out in transition. Moten takes the pass from Clements and dunks the ball to seal the road win for the Falcons.

All three seniors play different roles for the Falcons, but they have formed a strong core for the team this season. BG secured the Mid-American Conference regular season title and is the No. 1 seed for the MAC tournament. BG plays its tournament quarterfinal game Thursday at 7 p.m. against Ohio in Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena.

“I like the fact that they said ‘Hey we’re going for it,’ because that takes courage,” BG head coach Louis Orr said. “I’m really happy for our seniors, they have really stepped up.
“All three of them are different players and different individuals. But I’ll tell you what, the three have become one, that’s a positive,” he added. “When you have two or three seniors that become one, then you have a good thing. If they don’t become one it makes it tough because everyone has their own agenda.”

All three players have taken different routes and it hasn’t always been easy, but they have put their problems aside for the betterment of the team.

“It’s been huge for us and I thank God for their growth,” Orr said. “It all started, really this summer. I saw very serious focus and leadership, especially from Darryl and Brian Moten. Everything we did, they paid attention to detail whether it was on the football field, running the steps or in the weight room or anything. It carried over to the entire team. As a coach that’s a good feeling.”

Jack-of-all-trades
Clements can affect a game is many different ways, making the right pass, hitting the big shot or playing good defense.

“He has grown. He’s made some big shots, and big plays,” Orr said. “He’s wanted those opportunities and he’s embraced them. That’s a credit to how hard he’s worked.”

Darryl Clements Photo: Nate Thompson

“Darryl can do a little bit of everything,” Moten said. “He shoots it pretty good. He can make plays off the dribble.”

Clements had only 13 starts in his first two seasons with the Falcons, but has started all 60 games over the last two seasons. Clements can play both the off-guard and the point-guard spots.

“I just try to do whatever they tell me to do at the time. Whatever coach Orr tells me to do, that’s what I try to do,” Clements said.

During a game this season, Clements had a verbal disagreement with assistant coach George Jackson and after taking off his jersey he left the building.

Orr and his staff took care of the matter in house and Clements returned  to the team and has been a solid player and team leader since.

“Darryl brings a lot to our team,” Miller said. “He’s a big guard. He’s athletic. He brings defense and intensity to the table and he shoots the ball.

“He feels comfortable and he can make plays for us.”

Clements is going to finish his career with over 600 points, close to 300 rebounds and over 200 assists and 100 steals.

THE PLAYMAKER
A transfer from UNC-Wilmington, Miller is in his third season with the Falcons and is playing the best basketball of his career.

Miller and Orr did not see eye-to-eye over the summer and Miller was sent home. He returned to the team in the fall, served a three-game suspension and has come on to be the engine that drives the Falcons.

Nate Miller Photo: Nate Thompson

“I’m just out here playing as hard as I can and trying to lead by example,” Miller said. “One of the biggest things for me and coach Orr after last season, he told me I had to get into better shape and play as hard as I can for as long as I can.

“Coach Orr is a great guy. I can’t say enough about coach Orr,” Miller added. “He’s helped me grow into being a man in so many different areas, you have no idea. I really appreciate him for that.”

“He’s talented and he’s confident, He’s the got courage to make plays,” Orr said.
Miller closed the year strong, posting five double-doubles in the last 10 games as BG went 7-3 during that stretch, including a 7-2 mark in conference play.

He went over 1,000 career points by scoring 22 against Canisius and is one of only four players in program history with 1,000 career points, 500 career rebounds and 125 career steals.

“You just better hope he’s having a bad game,” Clements said. “If he’s having a good game, it’s going to be a bad day for whoever is checking him.”

Miller said Orr stresses: ‘know your job and do your job,’ and Miller is at his best making plays, whether it be driving into the lane, hitting the occasional 3-pointer, grabbing a big rebound or making a defensive stop.

“I’m just going to do whatever I can to held our team win,” Miller said.

THE SCORER
“He’s not afraid to take the big shot,” Orr said about Moten.

Brian Moten Photo: Nate Thompson

That has been shown several times this season, including games against Buffalo, Central Michigan, Kent State and Akron, as Moten can dial it up from long distance at key times.

Moten has drawn the attention of opposing defenses as they try to disrupt his rhythm. Left alone he is one of the best spot-up shooters in the MAC.

“People should know in their scouting report that you can’t leave him open. They need to stay with him the whole 40 minutes, if you leave him open for one second, it’s going up,” Clements said. “‘B Mo’ could miss 30 shots and I think the next one is going in. That’s the type of confidence I have in Brian.”

He originally signed a national letter of intent to attend Western Michigan, but after going the prep school route, he ended up at BG where former head coach Dan Dakich took a chance on him.

Moten has thrived the last two seasons under Orr, earning MAC sixth man of the year honors last season, and then being named honorable mention All-MAC this season.

“When he gets up on his jump shot, it’s just him and the rim,” Miller said. ‘‘‘B Mo’ has learned to put the ball on the floor and getting to the rim and making plays for other people.”

Moten is going to finish his career in the top 10 on BG’s career list for 3-pointers and with over 800 points and almost 200 rebounds.