Tonight the Ohio women's basketball team returns home to The Convo after a two-game road stretch to try to vindicate the Miami RedHawks, who snatched victory from its grasp earlier this season.
Miami's Millett Hall was the stage for a drama that unfolded tragically for Ohio in January. The Bobcats' defensive front came out of halftime with vigor and thwarted Miami repeatedly, capitalizing on offensive possessions and forging a 17-point lead. But the RedHawks managed to recuperate and win by four after a late-game surge.
Their three-quarter court pressure bothered us
coach Lynn Bria said.
Miami's defense has irked numerous opponents during the Mid-American Conference season, as it has caused 20.1 turnovers per game, almost as many as the hard-nosed 'Cats. The two kleptomaniac teams are also first and second in the league in steals, at almost twelve apiece per game.
The so-called rivalry game is also the last of the regular season. Though each team has clinched home-court advantage for round one of the MAC tournament, Miami will be competing for sole possession of third place in the East Division. If Ohio wins, it will tie with the RedHawks.
Tonight's game will be determined, as usual, by basic basketball, Bria said.
We need to play better fundamental basketball she said, echoing the sentiment she's expressed throughout the season.
Tonight's game will be the last-ever regular season game for four seniors -Kristian Kirkpatrick, Erin Isbell, Liz Brown and Megan Oriold --who will be sent off with a pre-game ceremony. Bells and whistles won't change the Bobcats' game plan, however.
I'm not going to coach them any differently Bria said.
The Bobcats' already-secured home-court advantage for Saturday's first-round game doesn't take away from the importance of tonight's game, Bria said.
(Getting a win) would certainly help with momentum
she said.
With the MAC tournament approaching, getting the seventh home MAC win of the season and a victory against the team from Oxford couldn't hurt. If the Bobcats want to last a week in the postseason, a little momentum could go a long way.
The tip-off of the cross-state clash is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight in The Convo.
-Patrick Bourland
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Patrick Bourland
