Tomorrow afternoon, BGSU women’s basketball (7-7, 1-2) takes on the RedHawks (8-5, 1-2) in Oxford, OH. Both women’s teams enter with a 1-2 record in Mid-American Conference (MAC) play.
This will be matchup number 94 between these two schools, with BG leading the series 58-35. BGSU has also won seven of the last eight, including their most recent meeting last March.
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Lucas Kleimeyer and Kaden Knapp will be on the call for WBGU 88.1 FM. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
BOWLING GREEN
This game is huge for the Orange and Brown in the early goings of MAC play. The Falcons have also struggled in true road games (0-6), so this game could turn the tides.
Last time out, Centerville native Amy Velasco was fantastic, scoring 22 against Buffalo. Sophomores Keiryn McGuff and Paige Kohler each scored double-digit points as well. However, scoring droughts ultimately led to the 80-70 loss.
Scoring consistency will be key to beating Miami, a team with an average scoring margin of just over nine.
Another area of focus for the Falcons will be finding and creating energy. Velasco discussed this in her post-game interview with Lucas Kleimeyer.
BGSU has seen the most success when it has been able to create positive momentum for itself through scoring, taking care of the basketball, forcing turnovers, and forcing highly contested shots.
The final key to beating the RedHawks is to close out quarters well. Head coach Fred Chmiel has made this a point of emphasis in practices.
Miami [OH]
The RedHawks enter this game with a record of 4-2 at Millett Hall this season. They also have outperformed their opponents in every major stat category except blocks.
Most recently, they suffered a one-point loss to Central Michigan. Miami missed two jump shots during the final three seconds of gameplay.
Outside of the floss to the Chippewas, the RedHawks have surrendered at least 67 points. They also average 65.1 points per game and have allowed 55.7 points per game.
They also have scored an average of 17.4 points off of turnovers and have 161 steals this season.
To beat the Falcons, the RedHawks will need to keep the game low-scoring, hit their shots, stay out of foul trouble and force turnovers.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fifth-year guard #25 Lexi Fleming, Bowling Green
The Cincinnati native, Fleming, had an uncharacteristically off-scoring night against Buffalo. She missed all seven shots she attempted. However, Fleming excelled in the assist category with four. The Falcons will need her to score to get a victory. She is a leader on the team and if she is having a good night, her teammates tend to as well.
Fifth-year forward #32 Erika Porter, Bowling Green
Similarly to Fleming, Porter also had an off night against the Bulls. After dominating the paint early, Buffalo found a way to shut her down. Porter also fouled out for a fourth time this season. BG relies on her underneath presence to create more offensive possessions and draw the attention of the defense.
Sophomore guard #11 Enjulina Gonzalez, Miami [OH]
Mercer transfer Gonzalez is by far the RedHawk’s leading point-getter with 244. Take that a step further, she averages 16.3 points per game which is fourth in the MAC. She also is a 44.6% shooter from the floor. When she is having a good game, Miami tends to perform at its best.
Sophomore forward #15 Amber Tretter, Miami [OH]
Amber Tretter is by far Miami’s best rebounder. She has almost a fourth of the team’s total rebounds with 100. She is second on the team in points scored. Tretter is a pivotal player who can also create more possessions on offense through steals. The 6’1 sophomore has 22 this season.
