Defense makes up for offensive slump

by Lonnie McMillan
Staff Writer

The Ohio Bobcats (8-13 overall, 5-5 in the Mid-American Conference) have struggled offensively over the past three games, averaging only 62.0 points per game over that span.

In addition, Ohio has managed to shoot only .375. This performance comes from a team that was averaging 75.3 points per game and shooting .461 prior to the slump.

"A few things (have contributed)," coach Lynn Bria said. "I still think we're getting good shots. We're just not hitting them right now. We have to knock down those wide open jumpers."

Fortunately for Ohio, the defense has made up for the lack of offense. The Bobcats have held opponents to an average of 58.0 points per game over the past three games. During the span opponents have shot .380.

"Thankfully, we're playing good enough defense to makeup for that (the offensive struggles)," guard Andrea Gay said.

The defense had been giving up an average of 81.6 points per game, while opponents were shooting .500 before the last three games.

Ohio bench playing important role

Saturday's 65-60 win against Akron marked the fourth time in a row the Ohio bench has outscored the opponent's bench. The Bobcats' bench had an 18-15 edge over the Zips.

Despite having only three reserve players, the Bobcats have outdone the opposition's bench nine times this season, producing six wins.

"You'd rather have quality players than players you can't use," Bria said. "We can use all eight. Most teams have 12-player rosters, but only use six or seven."

Forward Latreece Bagley is the only player on the team who has yet to start a game.

"I think all eight of us, anybody, could be a starter," Gay said. "It's really big when everybody steps up."

Guard Candace Bates, who has started two games, said the Ohio bench is always ready to play.

"If someone gets in foul trouble, we have to pick up for that person," Bates said. "We're playing hard all the time."

Bobcats even MAC record

Ohio's victory over Akron set the Bobcats' MAC record at 5-5, after an 0-3 start.

"We just want to keep going from here," Bates said. "We want to keep stepping forward in the standings."

The victory put the Bobcats in third place in the MAC East, only half a game behind second-place Buffalo.

Not only did Ohio's victory over Akron put it at 5-5 in conference play for the season, but the victory also put the program’s all-time record at 164-164.

In 18 MAC seasons Ohio has compiled eight winning records and two MAC championships.

Ohio has a chance to get above .500 at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bowling Green.