BGSU women’s basketball (14-12, 6-8) beat the Western Michigan Broncos (7-17, 3-10) 67-63 on Wednesday night, earning their sixth Mid-American Conference (MAC) of the season.
Head coach Fred Chmiel spoke about the win in his opening statement. “A lot of physical play,” Chmiel said. “You either adjust, or you get run over.”
The first quarter was a showcase of patient and stifling defense, with BG leading 14-8. Western Michigan shot 4-15 from the field (26.7%) and 0-6 from 3-point range. Meanwhile, the Falcons shot 6-13 (46.2%) and 2-5 on 3-pointers.
Heading into the game, the Falcons and Broncos both ranked as the bottom two teams in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in field goal percentage during conference play. BG entered the shooting game with a 37.4% success rate, while the Broncos shot 37%.
Scoring remained low heading into halftime. As the Falcons would lead 25-23, tied for their third-lowest scoring first-half of conference play. The two teams combined for 18-54 (33.3%) shooting at the half.
One player to stand out in the first half was junior forward Taya Ellis. She scored 11 points and snagged six rebounds, leading all players in both categories at half. Ellis would finish with 13 points and 10 rebounds, her second double-double on the season.
Chmiel highlighted how important Ellis is for the team.
“[She] makes it easier for our guards,” Chmiel said. “If she can continue to do that consistently, for two halves, then we’ll be a much better team.”
Ellis would receive help from junior guard Paige Kohler. Kohler’s seven points in the third quarter helped the Orange and Brown keep a two-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter. Kohler’s 16 points on the night led both teams.
Western Michigan took a four-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Falcons clawed back with a rapid 5-0 rally.
Sophomore guard Johnea Donahue scored through contact and hit the preceding free throw. Donahue’s 3-point play would be followed by sophomore guard Lauren Gerken blocking a shot in the post and fifth-year guard Kaia Woods scoring in transition. With a 55-54 lead and seven minutes to go, the Falcons never gave the lead back.
With 22 seconds remaining, Donahue stole the inbound pass away, and the Falcons called a timeout with a one-point lead. Both teams would take turns making back-to-back free throws, only cutting the time down to 17 seconds.
After more free throws from Donahue, fifth-year forward De’Ahna Richardson missed the game-tying 3-pointer.
Donahue has 98 steals on the season and is three away from the BGSU record of 101. She joked about reaching the program record. “I mean, who has a countdown in their locker?” Donahue said. “It’s in the back of my mind for sure.”
In a game that featured 12 lead changes and six ties, the Falcons narrowly escaped with victory.
Chmiel spoke about the upcoming game against Toledo. “Whoever’s out there listening to this right now or watching this, we need you,” Chmiel said. “We need you on Saturday.”
Looking forward to Saturday, the Falcons await their rivals Toledo in the Battle of I-75 in the Stroh Center at 2 p.m. Falcon Media Sports Network’s Lucas Kleimeyer and Trey Kennedy will have the call on WBGU 88.1 FM.
