Tomorrow, BGSU women’s basketball (6-6, 0-1 MAC) returns home to battle Eastern Michigan (1-10, 0-1 MAC) in game number two of Mid-American Conference (MAC) play.
This matchup marks the 79th time these two will square off, with BG leading the series 57-21. The Eagles won the most recent matchup last March, 59-54. However, the Falcons boast a record of 6-1 in the last seven matchups.
The Orange and Brown are also a whopping 32-6 at the Stroh against the Green and White. This includes an 8-2 record in the last ten meetings in BG.
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Kaden Knapp and Andrew Smith will have the call starting at 6:45 for pregame and 7 p.m. for tip-off on WBGU 88.1 FM.
BOWLING GREEN
The Falcons started MAC play with an 81-71 loss to Kent St on New Year’s Day. BGSU is now 0-6 in true road games this season, with an average game margin of 17.6.
At the Stroh, BG is 4-0 with an average game margin of 19. Their other two wins came in Daytona Beach against Stetson and Arkansas.
Against the Golden Flashes, free throws and fast break points proved to be the difference. Fifth-year forward Erika Porter and sophomore forward Keiryn McGuff each fouled out in the contest.
KSU shot 19 of 22 from the line and earned 14 fast break points. BG went to the charity stripe less, shooting 13 of 15, and was able to score 7 points in a fast transition.
Fifth-year guard Lexi Fleming shined in the second half, scoring 14 in the second 20 minutes and finishing with 17.
Redshirt sophomore guard Jasmine Fearne is coming off her best offensive game of the season, scoring 11 on Wednesday.
In order to defeat Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green will need to force EMU to take highly contested shots and be smart with their shot selections. In all 10 losses this year, the Eagles have had a much lower shooting percentage than their opposition.
EASTERN MICHIGAN
The Eagles have had a rough start to the season. Their lone win came against Xavier back on Dec. 1.
Since that point, they have lost five consecutive, including their MAC opener against Western Michigan.
In that game, Eastern Michigan went down early and could not recover. Junior Eleko led the team in scoring with 23. Outside of her, the team only had five other scorers.
The Green and White also shot 35.1% from the floor and 12.5% from beyond the arc. That is right on par with their season percentage of 36.3.
To be victorious tomorrow, EMU will need to limit Bowling Green’s scoring runs, find high-percentage shots, and spread the scoring. When the Eagles allow long scoring runs, it is detrimental.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Senior guard #1 Amy Velasco, Bowling Green
The Centerville native Velasco, is coming off her first single-digit scoring game of the season. She also had an off game against Duquesne, scoring 10 points.
However, during the road trip, she did surpass 400 career assists. Velasco has scored 16.5 points per game at home this year, so look for her to have a bounce-back game against Eastern Michigan.
Sophomore guard #10 Paige Kohler, Bowling Green
Kohler is a huge part of the Falcons on both sides of the basketball. She is very good at forcing her opposition to take highly contested shots or go elsewhere with the basketball.
She also has good timing with her shots and can create an offensive spark. In a game where scoring runs will be pivotal, that is huge.
Junior forward #14 Sisi Eleko, Eastern Michigan
Canisius transfer Eleko is the Eagles’ leader. The forward leads the team by far in points with 221 and rebounds with 129. Her 20.1 points per game is good for 20th in the nation. The forward also excels in shooting, with a field goal percentage of 46. The 6’2 junior has also scored double-digit points in each game this season.
She also is tied for eighth in the nation in double-doubles with eight. Eleko will touch the ball on almost every EMU offensive possession.
Junior Middle #3 Brooklyn Thrash, Eastern Michigan
Thrash is another Canisius transfer who is a key piece to Eastern Michigan’s squad. She is 6 foot tall and second on the team in rebounding. Thrash is a player who averages 31.6 minutes per game and 7.1 points.
The Ohio native is also a smart shot taker, shooting 45.9% from the floor. Her best game of the year came against Xavier when she recorded a season-high 16 points and six rebounds.
