Central Michigan University Athletics
Falcons Hand Chippewas 90-62 Setback
1/22/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Box Score | Photo Gallery | Notes
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- A big edge at the free throw line in the opening 20 minutes helped Bowling Green hand Central Michigan a 90-62 setback to open Mid-American Conference crossover play on Saturday.
The Falcons (17-2, 5-1 MAC) shot 19 free throws (17-for-19) in the first half, compared to just four (4-for-4) for the Chippewas (12-6, 4-2 MAC), helping create a 48-27 halftime cushion that would grow down the stretch.
Senior Kaihla Szunko tied her career-high with 27 points and nine rebounds and sophomore Brandie Baker finished with 13 points, five boards and five assists. Tracy Pontius led five Falcons in double-figures with 17 points.
The Chippewas were held to a season-low 31 percent from the field, including 17 percent from the arc (3-for-18), and were outrebounded, 44-35. The Falcons connected at 46 percent from the floor, 28 percent from long range (7-for-25).
The Orange and Brown had five players finish with at least five free throw attempts, and connected on 27-of-31 as a team. The Maroon and Gold were able to get to the line down the stretch, converting 19-of-22 free throws.
CMU returns to McGuirk Arena on Wednesday, welcoming Bufalo at 12 p.m. The game will host Central Michigan's "Hoops for Hunger" event, involving area schools in an effort to collect food for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
