Falcons senior Taylor leads exhibition victory

Bowling Green guard Whitney Taylor has a step on Findlay defenders as she drives to the basket. She scored 17 points.

BOWLING GREEN - For years coach Curt Miller has raved about Whitney Taylor's ability to score points in bushels.

But because of extenuating circumstances, Taylor hasn't had many opportunities to justify her coach's praise.

Until last night that is. Taylor scored 17 points off the bench to lead Bowling Green State University to a 61-46 exhibition win in women's basketball over Findlay at Anderson Arena.

In a more expanded role, and with an ACL no longer holding her back, Taylor knocked down four 3-pointers in 22 minutes, providing a much needed spark on a Falcons offense that shot just 31 percent from the field.

"Getting ready before the game, I was so excited because there wasn't that down effect of knowing I wasn't going to play," Taylor said.

Taylor, a senior, missed the second half of last season after tearing her ACL. She was aided by a brace last night but said she felt no discomfort.

"If you could see her in practice you'd be amazed at how many points she can put up in stretches," Miller said.

Three of BGSU's seven freshmen started along with junior Lindsey Goldsberry and senior Kate Achter. Crystal Murdaugh led the newcomers with nine points despite making just 5 of 12 at the free-throw line. Chelsea Albert and Lauren Prochaska, the other freshmen starters, scored eight points a piece.

"I think we have a lot of learning to do but for the most part we're getting the hang of things and learning how to play at the college level," Murdaugh said.

Despite a convincing win, Miller was less than praiseful of his team's play. The Falcons turned the ball over 17 times and made just 18 of 29 from the line. Findlay stuck around and trailed just 41-35 - a score that remained for about four minutes in the second half.

Achter, Goldsberry and Prochaska combined for just four field goals.

"When your starting backcourt goes 4-of-25 from the field and shoots a whopping 16 percent, you can't be pleased," Miller said.

Prochaska, the headliner of the freshmen class, was able to create shooting opportunities both with and without the ball but was just 2-of-13 from the field.

Miller said Sarah Clapper re-injured her knee in practice and is awaiting results of an MRI.

BG opens the regular season Friday at home against Valparaiso.

- Ryan Autullo