Tomorrow, with only two regular-season games left, the BGSU women’s basketball team (16-12, 9-7) looks to get back on track against the Kent State Golden Flashes (19-10, 11-5).
The Falcons enter with an all-time record of 62-39 against the Golden Flashes. They are 33-14 at home overall, including a 3-1 record over the last four meetings in Bowling Green.
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Kaden Knapp and Foster Roesti will call the game on WBGU 88.1 FM, tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
BOWLING GREEN
The Orange and Brown enter tomorrow’s game boasting a 9-7 Mid-American Conference (MAC) record. They are currently slotted in the sixth spot in the MAC with two games to play in the regular season.
Last time out, the Falcons lost to the Huskies in DeKalb, 84-77 in double overtime. BGSU led for the majority of the contest, but a late NIU run helped to send the game to overtime.
Senior Amy Velasco extended her double-digit scoring streak to eight with her 16 points. She also totaled five assists in the contest.
Earlier this season, BGSU came up short on the road against KSU, 81-71. The game was within a possession or two for most of the game, until the fourth quarter. The Golden Flashes did an excellent job at shutting down Erika Porter and Amy Velasco, holding them to a combined nine points.
To triumph over KSU, Bowling Green will need to play a complete game, knock down their threes, and disrupt Kent State’s offense.
After allowing 26 points in the first half against NIU, BG allowed 39 in the second, plus an additional 20 in overtime.
In the first matchup against Kent State, the Falcons let up 52 second-half points.
The third quarter has been a huge quarter for the Orange and Brown this season, and it is expected that it’ll be pivotal tomorrow as well.
BGSU also has been almost unstoppable this season when they are hitting their threes and they have struggled mightily when they aren’t. This season, BG boasts a record of 3-10 when they shoot 33.3% from beyond the arc or less. They are 13-2 when they are above that percentage.
Thirdly, Kent State is a very momentum-based offense. If the Falcons are able to pressure them and force turnovers that would be huge.
KENT STATE
If the MAC tournament were to start today, slated in the four spot, Kent State would match up against Miami in the first round of the tournament.
As it stands right now, with a MAC record of 11-5, the Golden Flashes find themselves one game behind Toledo and Buffalo. To add to that, they play Toledo on Saturday, which makes this game against BGSU even more important if they want to finish in the top three.
KSU is coming off back-to-back wins of 18 or more against Akron and NIU. They also beat Ball State by six before that, so they are playing good basketball as of late.
To defeat BGSU, Kent State will need to knock down their triples, defend the arc well, and get the Falcons into foul trouble.
The Golden Flashes are 18-4 when they out shoot their opponent from three range. As mentioned earlier, BGSU also lives and dies by the three, so defending it will be very important.
Lastly, Kent State is first in the MAC in free throw percentage, so if they can get BG into foul trouble and get to the line often, it’ll go well for them more than likely. To add to that, they are also very good at setting themselves up for opportunities, which can lead to massive momentum shifts.
FALCON FOUR PLAYERS TO WATCH
Fifth-year guard #25 Lexi Fleming, Bowling Green
Fleming has reached double digit point totals in nine of her last 10 games. She is an interracial piece on the team. Her veteran experience and scrappy defensive plays also will need to play a big role.
Sophomore guard #10 Paige Kohler, Bowling Green
Olmsted Falls native Kohler is the definition of a spark plug. She is very good at knocking down a huge three or making a big defensive play to get the team in a groove. In a game where threes will rain superior, she will need to be on point to help put the Falcons in charge.
Senior guard #12 Jenna Batsch, Kent State
Despite being listed as a guard on the roster, Batsch has been fantastic for the Golden Flashes underneath with her 6 ‘2 stature. She has recorded 11 blocks and 73 defensive rebounds this season. Batsch leads the team in points scored and steals. The senior was also a huge reason as to why KSU was able to pull away from the Falcons in their first meeting.
Sophomore forward #34 Janae Tyler, Kent State
Ever since Johnea Donahue was reinserted into BGSU’s starting five, teams have had a difficult time defending her and it’s led to Falcon victories. Standing at 6’1, Tyler will have the tall task of defending and being defended by Donahue. This year, Tyler shot over 50% from the floor, grabbed 107 rebounds, and scored 244 points.
