Mychal Green is emerging as a go-to player for Ohio.
The junior-college transfer stepped up Saturday when his teammates needed him the most, to pull out a wild 72-69 victory against Bowling Green.
In this weekend's game, Green totaled 13 points, five rebounds, four blocks and two steals, but his heroics down the stretch propelled Ohio (10-7 overall, 5-4 Mid-American Conference) to a comeback victory in a game that saw 14 lead changes and 14 ties.
Ohio trailed the Falcons (12-5, 6-3 MAC), 66-61, with 4:44 remaining in the game. A Sonny Troutman lay-up closed the gap to two points before Green took over.
On Ohio's next possession, a Green three-pointer from the corner brought the crowd in The Convo to its feet as Ohio stormed back to tie the game.
The contest stayed tied, 66-66, until less than two minutes remained. On a critical defensive stand, Green blocked John Floyd's shot in the lane, chased after the ball and controlled the rebound. Green's blocked shot led to a fast-break opportunity for Ohio that resulted in Jeff Halbert sinking two free throws for a 68-66 lead with 1:24 left.
But Green wasn't done exciting the crowd. The Bobcats dug in on the defensive end once more, setting up Green to drive to the basket, make a lay-up while being fouled and give Ohio a 70-66 lead with 21 seconds left.
The clock started ticking down
Green said. I could see the shot clock from the top of the key so I just knew to drive and try to create contact and the shot fell. I just have to start making my free throws.
The missed opportunity to complete the three-point play was costly when Cory Eyink nailed a three for Bowling Green to close the gap to one point, 70-69. However, Terren Harbut stepped to the line and made two free throws with nine seconds remaining to push the lead to three points. Floyd then missed a hurried three-pointer as time ran out.
Ohio coach Tim O'Shea credited assistant basketball coach Capt. Kevin Kuwik, who is currently stationed in Iraq, for finding Green on a trip to California.
He's made just a huge difference in our team
O'Shea said. He's emerged as an all-conference type guy at his position
and one of the reasons we've been consistently in games and winning games in the league.
Ohio can win another one when they return to action at 7 p.m. Wednesday to play the Bulls in Buffalo.
17
Archives
Kevin Wiseman
200501313150midsize.jpg
Point guard Jeremy Fears hits a lay-up during the first half of play Saturday against Bowling Green. Fears scored 14 points against the falcons and helped the Bobcats to yet another MAC victory.
