Late run lifts Bobcats past Flashes

by Bill Bender
Staff Writer

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction, unless time runs out.

The Ohio men's basketball team added a new law to Newton's list by squeaking by Kent State 67-65 last night. Ohio guard Dustin Ford nailed a three-pointer with 1:07 left that put the Bobcats up for good in a seesaw battle. The Golden Flashes had one last shot at victory, but Demetric Shaw's desperation three at the buzzer fell short.

Ohio coach Larry Hunter said the Bobcats had an advantage in the post throughout the game.

"It was an awfully good win for us," Hunter said. "They started four perimeter-type players so we knew we had an advantage. That proved to be true."

Despite a height disadvantage, Kent held the early lead. Forward Kyrem Massey reeled off six straight points to help the Golden Flashes jump ahead of the Bobcats 13-7.

Ohio forward Brandon Hunter rallied the Bobcats. Hunter scored 11 of his game high 25 points in the first half on an array of driving dunks and alley-oop flushes. Kent coach Gary Waters said Hunter dominated the block.

"He's the man," Waters said. "In my estimation he's the toughest post player in the conference."

Hunter gave the Bobcats a 20-19 lead with 3:16 left in the half, but Kent did not go away. The teams traded baskets and ended the first half knotted in a 26-26 tie.

The Bobcats and Golden Flashes continued exchanging leads well into the second half. Ohio received a blow when Hunter picked up his fourth foul with 16:30 to play. While Hunter sat out, center Patrick Flomo and reserve guard Thomas Stephens picked up the slack.

Stephens drilled a three and a running jumper, and Flomo added 10 second-half points to help keep pace with Kent. Coach Hunter said he was impressed with both Flomo's and Stephens' efforts.

"Thomas gave us a big lift off the bench," Hunter said. "And Patrick's really playing well. Pat and Brandon are really complimenting each other in the post."

Despite the efforts of the bench, the Golden Flashes struck again when guard Trevor Huffman drilled a three-pointer for a 47-46 lead with 4:57 left.

The Bobcats picked up a boost with Hunter's return, however. Hunter continually drove in the paint causing Kent to lose post men Massey and Rashaun Warren, who both fouled out. Hunter hit 6-of-10 free throws down the stretch giving Ohio a 62-59 lead with 1:38 on the clock.

Kent answered again following a 30-second timeout when Shaw hit yet another three-pointer. Ohio responded quickly when Ford drained the shot.

Ohio stopped Kent on the next two possessions, and free throws stretched the lead to 67-62. Kent guard Andrew Mitchell drained one last three to cut the lead to two. After Hunter missed two free throws, Shaw scurried down the court, but the shot fell short.

Ford's clutch shot gave him three treys in the contest. He said Hunter's play inside allowed him open looks from the outside.

"It felt good to get clean looks late in the game," Ford said. "The two threes down the stretch are two of the biggest shots I've hit."

Aside from Ford's threes, Flomo chipped in 13 points for the Bobcats. Flomo and Hunter each grabbed nine rebounds. The Bobcats shot 24-42 from the charity stripe.

Huffman led the Golden Flashes with 21 points and seven assists. Mitchell and Massey added 13 and 10, respectively. Waters said Kent fought hard but free throws made the difference.

"It was a tough and hard-fought game," Waters said. "But you can't win when the other team shoots 42 free throws."

Despite the win, Ford said the Bobcats must keep a level head.

"We need to keep going against Miami this weekend," Ford said. "Success that goes to your head pays a short visit."

Ohio's archrival Miami visits The Convo Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.