Bowling Green State University’s women’s basketball team secured a 93-82 victory over Coastal Carolina University on Saturday during the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge at the Stroh Center. Junior Joniyah Bland-Fitzpatrick led the Falcons with a career-high 21 points, scoring 19 of those in the second half. She was one of five BGSU players to reach double figures, including Lauren Gerken (18), Kaia Woods (12), Jasmine Fearne (11), and Paige Kohler (10).
Bland-Fitzpatrick converted 10 of her 12 field goal attempts. Woods contributed seven assists and six steals, both game highs, as Bowling Green set a new school record with 23 steals in a single game. Laila Harrison added five steals in just over three minutes of play.
For Coastal Carolina, Tessa Grady also scored 21 points, while Kinsea Grimes had 18, Olivia Klanac finished with 13, D’Yanis Jiminez added 11, and Tracey Hueston recorded 10.
The Falcons shot nearly 59 percent from the field and maintained at least a 50 percent shooting rate each quarter. In the fourth quarter alone, they made nine out of eleven shots. The team also outscored Coastal Carolina in points off turnovers (37-24) and points in the paint (40-32). Bench players contributed significantly for BGSU, accounting for 52 points.
Reflecting on the team’s defensive performance, it was noted that “the Falcons…had 23 steals to set a new school record. The old record of 21 was achieved two times…vs. Texas Southern (Dec. 4, 1993) and Youngstown State (Jan. 3, 1994).” Additionally, sophomore Laila Harrison’s five steals came within just over three minutes on court; she entered the game with only nine career steals across her previous games.
Senior Kendal Moxey made her first start for Bowling Green during this matchup. The Falcons have used ten different starting lineups this season.
With this win, Bowling Green improved its record to four wins and two losses in MAC-Sun Belt Challenge games and extended its winning streak in the competition to four games since last season.
The Falcons will continue their homestand against Buffalo on Tuesday night at the Stroh Center before traveling to face Ball State next Saturday.
For further updates about BGSU women’s basketball activities and schedules, fans can follow official social media accounts or visit BGSUFalcons.com.
