After a week off, BGSU women’s basketball (12-11, 5-6) returns to the Stroh Center and resumes Mid-American Conference (MAC) play against the Central Michigan Chippewas (10-13, 5-6).
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Kaden Knapp and Andrew Smith will have the broadcast on WBGU 88.1 FM, starting at 1:45 p.m. for pregame and tip-off at 2:00 p.m.
SERIES HISTORY
Bowling Green leads 53-23 in the all-time series, with the Falcons winning five straight against the Chippewas.
Just two weeks ago, these two programs faced off in Mount Pleasant, with The Orange and Brown coming away with a big 76-69 win on the road.
BOWLING GREEN
The Falcons are riding off last Saturday’s 75-73 win over Arkansas State in the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge, earning their third road win of the season.
In Bowling Green’s last two wins, they’ve come back from a deficit, eventually winning both games in the fourth quarter. BG’s ability to close out games has been consistent, and they have reaped the benefits.
Last time against CMU, Bowling Green’s sophomore guard Paige Kohler had a game-high 17 points, and freshman Johnea Donahue had a standout performance, registering 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
The Falcons are now averaging 69.6 points per game (PPG), which is good for fourth in the MAC. Senior guard Amy Velasco leads BG in scoring with 15.3 PPG, which is good for sixth-best in the conference.
Currently sitting in 7th place, the Falcons have seven games left to go on a run and climb up to the top MAC standings. Starting with taking care of Central Michigan for the second time this season and earning a third straight win.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN
The Chippewas won their final MAC-Sun Belt Challenge game, defeating Marshall 73-68. Sitting in the last spot for the 2025 MAC tournament. Before that, they defeated Ohio 75-48 in a blowout win at home.
CMU will be coming into the Stroh Center with a chip on their shoulder after losing to BG at home on Feb. 1. They have won three of their last four road games, including double-digit victories over Akron and Western Michigan.
The team’s biggest strength is rebounding, as they remain the best in the MAC, averaging 43.1 rebounds per game (RPG). They also have the best rebounding margin at plus 9.91.
The last time they faced BG, Madi Morson and Jess Lawson each had a big game. Morson led the team with 23 points, while Lawson put up a double-double, scoring 20 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Both will be key for CMU to get a big road victory over BG.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fifth-year forward #32 Erika Porter, Bowling Green
Porter’s fourth-quarter performance last time against Central Michigan was one of her best in a BG uniform. Similar to the last game, rebounding will be huge in determining the outcome of the game, which means she will once again be crucial for BG.
Freshman guard #3 Johnea Donahue, Bowling Green
She had a lot of success guarding the likes of Morson and Lawson last time out; Donahue’s defensive ability will be key against CMU as she looks to continue her good form.
Junior guard #24 Taylor Anderson, Central Michigan
Anderson’s versatility could come into play against BG. Her rebounding and defensive play could be something overlooked when looking at the matchup. If she has a big night on the box score, it could spell trouble for Bowling Green.
Senior guard #8 Jess Lawson, Central Michigan
One of the most efficient and well-rounded scorers in the MAC, Lawson put up big numbers last time against the Falcons. If Central Michigan wants to steal a win on the road, she has to have a huge performance for the Chippewas.