Another poor shooting performance led to the Huskies’ demise against Bowling Green on Wednesday, as they fell 57-41.

In the first half, the Huskies (5-16, 3-6 MAC) struggled from the field. They went 4 of 29 and shot 13.8 percent. Three of the field goals came from sophomore wing Abdel Nader, and freshman guard J.J. Cravatta made a 3-point field goal.

“We didn’t have the best shooting performance tonight either, so that hurt,” said coach Mark Montgomery. “You have to credit Bowling Green. They came out and laid the first punch and we just didn’t have enough fight, not enough energy, not enough effort to compete in that first half, and it cost us.”

The Falcons (9-13, 4-5 MAC) took advantage of the Huskies’ poor shooting and jumped to an 11-1 lead. They got off to a fast start from three and connected on three early 3-point field goals.

“That was huge,” said Bowling Green coach Louis Orr. “For us, I thought we were efficient and we didn’t turn the ball over. We had good ball and body movement early… Good offense helps your defense and I believe that, you’re not turning the ball over and you’re not allowing teams fast break opportunities. It helped us, a good offense helped us. Really, that was probably the key to the game, was a quick start and we were able to sustain it.”

Bowling Green didn’t look back from there and at halftime they led by 15 points, 30-15. Unlike NIU, Bowling Green shot the ball well in the first half, connecting on 12 of its 23 shots, shooting 52 percent.

In the second half, the Falcons came out on a 16-4 run to increase their lead, 46-19. Senior forward A’uston Calhoun scored eight of his game-leading 15 points during that span.

The Huskies found their rhythm in the second half, as they went 10 of 22 from the field, shooting 25 percent. By then, it was too little too late.

Nader led the Huskies with 12 points and was the only Huskie to score in double-digit figures. The Huskies have been shooting better of late and Montgomery looks for them to get back on track.

“You know guys can make shots,” Montgomery said. “And I have confidence they can make shots. We’re going to continue to get the ball inside a little bit more, or…drive the ball a little bit more. This wasn’t our best offensive output and you know what? You roll up your sleeves, you go back to work and you get ready for Buffalo.”