NIU women’s basketball (7-10, 1-5 MAC) dropped its fifth-straight Mid-American Conference game Saturday against the Bowling Green State University Falcons (9-8, 3-3 MAC). Despite three double-digit performances, the Huskies fell by a score of 74-60.
“A lot of our problems were self-inflicted, right,” said women’s basketball head coach Lisa Carlsen. “In the third quarter, especially, we did a much better job of taking care of the basketball, that was critical, and giving ourselves an opportunity to score the basketball. I’m really proud of our fight and resiliency, really the entire second half. And I told him after the game, ‘we give that type of effort, we’re going to see positive results.’”
Turnovers plagued the Huskies throughout the night, as the majority of the box score was even. In comparison, NIU committed 19 turnovers to Bowling Green’s 12.
The Huskies were led by graduate student guard Chelby Koker, who finished the contest with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Koker was also efficient on the defensive end of the court, swiping 4 steals and blocking one shot.
Freshman guard Lexi Carlsen was another standout for NIU. Lexi Carlsen posted 14 points – second on the team in scoring. Carlsen also added 4 rebounds, 4 assists while shooting 50% from the field.
NIU junior guard Alecia Doyle was the third Huskie to reach double-digit points, as Doyle also totaled 14 points. Doyle also grabbed 3 rebounds and dished out 1 assist.
As for Bowling Green, fifth-year guard Lexi Fleming and sophomore guard Paige Kohler each eclipsed 15 points – the most on Bowling Green’s roster. Kohler torched NIU, adding on 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block and 3 steals.
The first quarter went in Bowling Green’s favor, but the Huskies kept it close. Despite not holding the lead for the duration of the 10 minutes, NIU kept the game within six points going into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Bowling Green caught wind, going on an 11-4 run to close out the half. The Falcons run accounted for a 39-24 lead for Bowling Green going into halftime.
Following halftime, the Huskies came back to life, going on a 13-4 run and bringing the game within one point – the tightest point differential since the first quarter. The Huskies outscored the Falcons 21-14 throughout the 10 minutes and despite the Huskies’ effort, Bowling Green managed to go into the fourth quarter with a 53-45 lead.
Bowling Green took over in the fourth quarter, dominating the Huskies from beginning to end. The Falcons kept their foot on the gas as the Huskies eventually pulled their starters, sealing the double-digit victory.
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Lexi Carlsen reflected on the game, noting how NIU can bounce back in time for its next conference matchup.
“You know, this league is a really difficult league to play on any given night,” Lexi Carlsen said. “I think we’ve done a good job of having a short memory the past couple games, but nothing changes you know, we have to have a short memory and move on.”
The Huskies now take on the Eastern MIchigan University Eagles at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the EMU Convocation Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Live streaming is available through ESPN+, live stats will be accessible through SIDEARM Sports and listening will be provided by WDKB 94.9 FM.