Despite closing a 12-point halftime deficit, NIU women’s basketball fell to Bowling Green 57-47.

Bowling Green (19-3, 9-0 MAC) came into the game undefeated in the MAC, and only suffering one loss at home.

The Falcons looked exactly as good as their advertised numbers, going on a 9-0 run to end the first half, leading 24-12 at halftime and playing good defense.

“We just couldn’t sustain good play,” said NIU coach Kathi Bennett. “They really pressured us. We didn’t help each other get open and struggled getting into any offense.”

To begin the second half, the Huskies (9-12, 3-6 MAC) responded immediately out of the tunnel, going on a 7-0 run to get within five.

This run did not last long as the Falcons were able to score more often and more effectively over the course of the second half. Bowling Green stretched their lead to 44-29 by the midway point of the second half.

“I don’t think Bowling Green played particularly well,” Bennett said. “I hope a little bit had to do with our defense. We played really well defensively in the second half.”

NIU would get as close as nine with three minutes remaining, until succumbing to free throws.

The lone bright-spots individually for NIU were freshmen Claire Jakubicek, scoring 17 and grabbing eight rebounds and Amanda Corral, who scored 12.

“We need to come out focused and ready to go,” Jakubicek said. “We wish we would have won, but this game proves we can hang with a good team like this. We just have to improve on a few things going forward.”

Bennett said the Huskies were missing something in their play against the Falcons.

“It’s not a 20 or 35 minute game,” Bennett said. “Especially against a good team on their home court, you have to have more energy and effort. You have to win the X-factor, and that was something we didn’t do.”