When Ohio fell 73-63 at Northern Illinois on Saturday, it was another example of a competitive game where the Bobcats could not turn the corner to a win.
The Bobcats (3-8 overall, 0-2 Mid-American Conference) failed to break 40 percent shooting for the eighth time this season in the second of a four-game road swing. The Bobcats beat the Huskies (6-6, 1-1 MAC) on the boards and in the turnover department, but it was not enough to atone for Ohio's 29.7 percent shooting performance.
Although Jaivon Harris is averaging 11.6 points per game and senior backcourt mate Thomas Stephens scored 21 against the Huskies, inconsistent play plagued the Bobcats during the team's poor start.
We're kind of surprised
we knew it was going to be tough with a bunch of a new guys coming in that we're going to have to gel with and to understand the offense Harris said. We haven't been getting the ball in the post as much as we need to to get open shots outside because I think Delvar (Barrett) is a great post player.
Many people blamed last season's disappointing start on a brutal road schedule, but not even a four-game home stand could help Ohio get a quick start this year. The Bobcats went 1-3 in those games, defeating only Brown.
I obviously would like to have a better record at this juncture
but I'm not dissatisfied with the effort I've received from the guys or their attitude
or the way they come to practice and work
Ohio coach Tim O'Shea said. We've been in a position to win more games and we haven't been able to make plays down the stretch.
The lack of a go-to scorer has been one of the biggest deficiencies for the Bobcats during the non-conference season and into MAC play, but Stephens blames many of the offensive concerns on himself.
It really is an issue still on the team because some people want to be the go-to guy but I don't really feel some guys have the confidence
Stephens said. Our go-to guy should be Jaivon. He is the guy who should be putting the points up on the board.
