BOWLING GREEN — A strong first half helped the Bowling Green State University women’s basketball team defeat Central Michigan 70-55 on Saturday at the Stroh Center.

The Falcons outscored the Chippewas 21-10 in the first quarter and 20-11 in the second for a 41-21 halftime lead. The victory moved Bowling Green (13-11, 6-6 Mid-American Conference) into a tie for sixth place with Western Michigan.

Central Michigan (10-14, 5-7) struggled with its perimeter shooting, making just two of 13 3-point attempts (15.4 percent). The Chippewas also made just 9 of 16 free throws (56.3 percent).

Bowling Green, meanwhile, made 23 of 52 shots (44.2 percent), including 38.1 percent of its 3-point attempts (8 of 21). The Falcons also enjoyed a 10-4 advantage in steals and a 27-17 edge in points off turnovers.

Paige Kohler led Bowling Green with 18 points. Amy Velasco had 14 points and five assists, Johnea Donahue had 14 points, and Lexi Fleming had 13 points and seven rebounds.

Jess Lawson scored 13 points and Ayanna-Sarai Darrington had 11 points for Central Michigan.

Bowling Green heads to Kalamazoo for a 7 p.m. game Wednesday against Western Michigan before hosting Toledo at 7 p.m. Saturday.

First Published February 15, 2025, 9:31 p.m.