BOWLING GREEN, Oh. — The Robert Morris women’s basketball team (1-2, 0-0) will look to get their record back up to .500 this Saturday when they take on Bowling Green State University (1-1, 0-0). In their most recent game, the Colonials fell to Rhode Island by a final score of 46-41. This game will mark the start of a four-game road trip for the Colonials. They will also be looking to avenge their two-point overtime loss to the Falcons at home last season. Let’s take a look at what to expect in this game.

Looking at the Colonials

Robert Morris kicked off their 2018-2019 campaign with a 1-2 record. The early games are always interesting in college basketball, especially with a team like RMU. With a few key players left, some role players being asked to take on new roles and new recruits still trying to prove themselves, it would be safe to say that they are still trying to mesh as a team and figure out who works well together. Now with three games under their belt, the Colonials might be more than ready for a rematch with the Falcons.

If RMU wants to avenge their two-point loss from last season to BGSU, they will need to hit their shots. This goes without being said, but the Colonials had a field goal percentage of 22.2% in their last game when they took on Rhode Island. It will be essential for the RMU to start making their shots. Despite being a defensive team, they still need to hit shots.

The Colonials held Rhode Island under 10 points for the first three quarters. Despite the stellar defensive outing, they were unable to build a commanding lead due to the poor shooting display. This would allow Rhode Island to take over and win the game.

Robert Morris must also capitalize on turnovers. Both teams played hot potato with the ball as there were a combined 48 turnovers. The Colonials must protect the ball much better than they have previously, as this was a problem for them last year as well. The aggressive defense must also continue to hound opposing offenses.

The Colonials should also look to get the ball to Honoka Ikematsu, who currently leads the team with an average of 10.3 points per game. She is also shooting an incredible .526 % from beyond the arc. Her shooting ability is incredible, and the Colonials should continue to put the ball in her hands.

Scouting the Falcons

Bowling Green has split their first two contests of the season, both were also blowouts. The first was a 99-69 loss to the Big Ten’s Michigan State. BGSU would come back a week later and deliver Marshall a 99-76 loss. It was a big win for the Falcons, and Freshman guard Morgan McMillen would lead the team as she scored 32 points in the victory. She shot 11-14 and went 8-11 from downtown.

Sophomore Angela Perry made the most of her 23 minutes as she contributed 25 points and three rebounds. This proves that the young players on this team are already able to contribute. This is a similar case to Robert Morris. Both teams are fairly young and have had freshmen and sophomores step up.

This is a team that also likes to take the ball inside. In their last game, 34 points came from inside the paint. Kadie Hempfling would also pull down 17 boards in this game. RMU is a team that prefers to take outside shots as opposed to dumping it inside, as they scored eight points in the paint last game. Due to this, it will be interesting to see how these play styles clash.

Players to watch

Honoka Ikematsu, Guard, Robert Morris

Ikematsu is a fantastic three-point shooter and was one of the best in the country last season. She has been off to a hot start this year as well as she has scored 31 points through three games this season. Her dangerous three ball could wreak havoc against BGSU. Ikematsu is a player to keep an eye on in this one.

Isabella Posset, Guard, Robert Morris

Isabella Posset is one of the highest anticipated recruits in RMU women’s basketball history. She is already getting a hefty amount of playing time despite being a freshman. Posset dished out eight assists in the season opener against Youngstown State. She also scored in the double digits after an impressive outing against La Salle. Posset is a great playmaker so be sure to see what she can do on Saturday.

Morgan McMillen, Guard, Bowling Green

McMillen is making the most of her opportunities as she has been on fire to start her season. She has scored 17 and 32 points in the team’s two games this season. Her field goal percentage is currently 60. She definitely has the hot hand for the Falcons, and they will likely turn to her to get things going for their offense. The Colonials defense will be extra eager to try and slow down her hot start.

Andrea Cecil, Guard/Forward, Bowling Green

Cecil is a former Most Improved Player as voted by her team and was named the Power Player of the Year by her team as well last year. This year, she has scored 10 and 19 points in her two games thus far. Cecil also grabbed 11 rebounds against Marshall. She is a versatile player who can be utilized anywhere on the court. She is sure to have an impact on Saturday’s game.

Prediction

The Colonials will be hungry to defeat the Falcons to both avenge last year’s loss and to get back to .500 and begin this road trip with a win. Expect the Falcons to pound the ball inside and try to potentially get the Colonials in foul trouble. However, as the game goes on, expect the deep RMU rotation to wear down BGSU. Their shooting will also likely be better this game after their uncharacteristic display against Rhode Island. This one goes to RMU.

Final Score: RMU 54- BGSU 46