After a tough loss against West Virginia on the road, BGSU women’s basketball (2-3) returns to the state of Ohio to battle another nationally ranked opponent. This time, the Orange and Brown face the No. 12 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0)
Sunday afternoon marks the 18th all-time meeting between both programs, with their last matchup coming in the 2021-2022 season, where the Buckeyes beat the Falcons 94-63 at home. Bowling Green trails in the series, with just two wins and 15 losses to Ohio State.
MCGUFF FAMILY REUNION
In his 12th season at the helm of Ohio State, head coach Kevin McGuff is the father of Bowling Green sophomore guard and forward Keiryn McGuff.
Keiryn McGuff hasn’t seen action yet this season for the Falcons, as she continues to come back from a season-ending injury she suffered last year after playing the first 16 games for the Orange and Brown.
BOWLING GREEN
Non-conference games are a chance for the Orange and Brown to test out what works and what doesn’t heading into Mid-American Conference (MAC) play.
Despite a variety of opponents across four different conferences this season, the Falcons have gone with the same starting five every game so far, with senior guard Amy Velasco, sophomore guard Paige Kohler, sophomore forward Taya Ellis, freshman guard Johnea Donahue, and fifth-year forward Erika Porter.
While the Orange and Brown are coming off a big loss to West Virginia, the experience the team was able to gain from a quality opponent was something that they hope can make them better heading into MAC play and in the long run.
This offense has been led by Velasco all season long, after coming off a week where she was named MAC Player of the Week, she led the Falcons in points against WVU with 18.
A big thing Bowling Green will want to cut down and improve on against the Buckeyes is turnovers. They gave up 36 points on 27 turnovers, taking care of the basketball will be crucial for the Falcons not only against Ohio State but for the remainder of the season.
OHIO STATE
Last season, the Buckeyes finished 26-6 overall and 16-2 in the Big Ten. Losing to Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State is coming off a thrashing 106-42 win over the Ohio Bobcats and has scored 90 plus points this season three times.
The Buckeyes have a 36-plus scoring margin four games into the season, a 13.3-plus turnover margin, and a 9.3-plus rebounding margin. Ohio State’s opponents are averaging 26.3 turnovers per game, having outscored their opponents in all four quarters so far this year.
The Buckeyes roster is full of top-rated players across the country, this year, they are led by Chance Gray, who transferred to OSU after spending two years at Oregon. Gray is averaging 18 PPG, while freshman guard Jaloni Cambridge is averaging 17 PPG and four rebounds.
Including Gray and Cambridge, the Buckeyes have four players who are averaging in double figures, along with Cotie McMahon with 16.3 PPG and Taylor Thierry with 11.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Velasco has been the most consistent scorer for the Falcons in this early season and sets the tone for the offense. She’s always one to watch for Bowling Green, and her leadership on the court will be huge.
Ellis has been huge in rebounding this year for Bowling Green, with 35 total in the first five games. She has one double-double already this season and has been one of the tone-setters defensively for the Orange and Brown, and will need to be against the
Leading the Buckeyes in points, Gray has been sensational since coming to Ohio State. She can score from almost anywhere on the floor, her passing and ability to find open shots will be big for the Buckeyes.
Petty has 30 rebounds on the year and is averaging 7.5 RPG for the Buckeyes; she’s been an ‘X’ factor for Ohio State this season. Including seven steals, as well as averaging 9.8 PPG.
