In its last three games, the Ohio women's basketball team has made a habit out of saving its best for last.
Unfortunately, the Bobcats' second-half efforts have been of the too little
too late variety, resulting in three consecutive losses.
The major cause of Ohio's current three-game losing skid can be attributed to slow starts that have put the team in too big of a hole early in the game to come back and win.
The Bobcats (7-14, 4-6 Mid-American Conference) have been down by 15, 13 and 19 points, respectively, at times during the first half of the last three losses, but have made each contest interesting with strong second-half rallies.
I think it shows a lot of character for our players to hang in there coach Lynn Bria said after Wednesday's 19-point comeback came up just short against MAC West division leader Eastern Michigan. At any point they could have just chucked it and folded but that didn't happen.
Wednesday's comeback impressed more than just its own coach. After nearly being victim to a major upset, Eastern Michigan coach Suzy Merchant said that no team in the MAC likes playing against Ohio.
They're a team that can really get it rolling
she said. They're very scary that way. Having Simone Redd out has obviously hurt them but
when they get her back
watch out!
Forward Ciara Iglehart, who led the Bobcats with 20 points Wednesday, said the team's morale is higher, despite the loss.
We definitely feel confident
she said. I feel like this was one of the best games we've played so far in the conference
and I definitely think we'll start off strong Saturday against Toledo.
After taking on one of the elite teams in the MAC in Eastern Michigan, Ohio will face a much less intimidating foe Saturday in Toledo. The Rockets (8-12, 3-7 MAC) are coming off one of their worst performances of the season, giving Akron its first conference win in a 69-66 loss at home.
Do not look for the Bobcats to take the struggling Rockets lightly, however.
With this team
it doesn't have a lot to do with who our opponent is
Bria said. I don't think they even know who the top teams are. If our energy is good
we'll play good
