DeKALB — Women’s basketball was defeated 64-54 in a back-and-forth battle at home against the Bowling Green State University Falcons Wednesday.

The Falcons full-court pressed the Huskies in the first quarter making it hard to get the ball past half-court. Junior forward A’Jah Davis came out of the game because of foul trouble in the first three minutes.

The Huskies shot terribly in the first quarter, going 2-for-14 from the field for 14.3% shooting. NIU’s poor shooting was due to forcing shots late on the shot clock because of Bowling Green’s impressive defense.

NIU’s poor shooting performance carried over, as they shot 25% in the second quarter. Davis played 3:11 in the quarter, so the Huskies didn’t have anyone to score inside. She was benched in the second quarter because of foul trouble.

“We needed A’Jah on the floor because she makes a difference for us on the floor in a lot of ways,” head coach Lisa Carlsen said. “It makes a difference for us when she is not in the game.”

Falcons freshman forward Zoe Miller contributed well for her team, as she had seven points in the quarter. Six of her seven points came from inside the paint.

The Huskies were down at halftime 18-27. Falcons’ junior guard Elissa Brett led all scorers with 10 points. Huskies’ senior guard Janae Poisson led the Huskies to score eight points.

The Huskies started the first five minutes of the third quarter strong as they cut Bowling Green’s lead to 29-26 after a three-pointer from freshman guard Sidney McCrea. Both teams battled throughout the quarter.

NIU was able to space the floor well and score in the paint. Davis had five points in the quarter and McCrea had six points. Huskies shot 53.8% in the quarter and were down by three, 35-38 going into the fourth quarter.

“I wasn’t surprised by the press, but I think we did a really good job of handling the ball,” Carlsen said. “I think we understood how to attack it in the second half.”

There were two lead changes and five ties in the fourth quarter. Both teams exchanged buckets in the paint as well as three-pointers.

The Huskies shot 43.8% from the field and 33.3% from three. The Falcons shot 42.9% from the field and 71.4% from the three.

The Huskies battled back as they were down by one, 54-53 with 1:18 left in the fourth quarter. The Huskies turned the ball over after a traveling violation by Davis. This turnover was crucial as Falcons’ senior forward Kadie Hempfling hit a three-pointer to lead 57-53. Bowling Green didn’t look back after that as they won 64-54.

“I’m still super proud of this group for what they were able to do tonight and what they have been able to do the last couple of weeks,” Carlsen said.

Brett finished the game with 22 points and the bench had 24 points. Davis recorded another double-double as she had 14 points and 15 rebounds.

NIU overall record is now 8-11 with a record of 5-6 in Mid-American Conference play. Bowling Green’s overall record is now 10-8 with a record of 5-4 in the MAC.

The Huskies will remain at home as they play Ohio University at the Convocation Center at 1 p.m. CT Saturday. The game will be available on ESPN+.