The BG women’s basketball team started conference play on the road with a bang, beating Ohio University 67-41. With the win, the Falcons have now won two in a row since their loss to Toledo and are 3-1 in conference.
Everyone played a role in the win as all 10 players on the roster had at least two points and an assist each. BG had just one player in double digits, guard Miriam Justinger who had 13 points. It also had several others close to double digits as both Chrissy Steffen and Allison Papenfuss put up nine points apiece.
Justinger was the catalyst for the Falcons and initiated the early 10-0 lead when she scored eight of her thirteen points. For the game, she was five of nine shooting with a 55 percent shooting rate.
After the 10-0 start, BG kept the Bobcats out of reach, suffocating them with strong defense and great shooting. The Falcons, led by Justinger, shot just over 58 percent in the first half and 48 percent for the game.
Compared to the Bobcats, the effort of BG’s bench is what made the difference. The Falcons had all 10 players score compared to just five of the Bobcats. The bulk of Ohio’s scoring came from three players, Kiyonna Black, Symone Lyles and Erin Bailes each scored in double-digits. Their efforts combined accounted for 35 of Ohio’s 41 points.
The Falcons’ defense also had an effect on the Bobcat’s struggles holding them to a 29.4 shooting percentage. The Falcons held them to only six made field goals which allowed BG to get out to the early lead. Their defense also had 10 steals compared to only four giveaways themselves. This effort led to many fast break opportunities which included a layup late in the first half that gave the Falcons a 36-17 halftime lead.
While the Falcons do have a loss in conference play, their defense has never wavered. Throughout four contests, BG is holding conference opponents to 40 points per game and has yet to give up a 50 point game. The closest to 50 points was Toledo when it put up 48 in the January 13th matchup.
Along with keeping MAC opponents under 50, BG is currently undefeated when scoring over 60 points. The Falcons are a perfect 12-0 when they get over that 60 point margin.
