Everything the Ohio men's basketball team has been missing this season seemed to come back Saturday night, as the Bobcats put together one of their most impressive defensive performances of the season.
Also, the fact that the Bobcats' offense was in full swing against the Samford defense didn't hurt either, as Ohio's top scorers all had hot hands. Forwards Sonny Troutman and Leon Williams and guard Mychal Green all lit up the Bulldogs (17-9) for double figures.
Troutman led the way tying a career-high with 28 points as the Bobcats (15-8) defeated the Bulldogs, 64-52, in the ESPN BracketBuster matchup. Ohio's scoring column varied from most nights though, as the Ohio bench only supplied two points, a season low for the deep 'Cats roster.
I was very encouraged by what I saw tonight and the guys did an outstanding job defensively
Ohio coach Tim O'Shea said. I was really happy with the effort for us to show the poise we did and beat them like we did was great.
While the effort and poise the Bobcats showed meant a lot, having Williams in the game turned out to be just as large of a factor. In his 33 minutes of playing time, Williams put up 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, tallying his 15th career double-double.
I got to stay on the court tonight
but also I was more aggressive
and the team played within the offense
and good things happened
Williams said. This game can be similar to last year when we won the BracketBuster game at Detroit and went on a roll.
O'Shea and his players talked light-heartedly about Williams' playing time because of his last two games where he was only on the court for 17 minutes each from foul trouble.
What a difference a few days can make
O'Shea said. And what a difference does it make when Leon is able to stay on the floor and actually play.
Troutman, however, digressed from Leon's foul trouble and focused on the team's defense instead of his scoring outburst. The Bobcats handled their opponent's Princeton style offense and were still able to succeed in a shortened game.
Our coaches prepared us well for what kind of offense they'd run
Troutman said. It seems like every move they would make we would be ready for it.
Green broke the slump he has been in by hitting some early shots, and his confidence rocketed throughout the game on each shot. He put up 14 points on a variety of shots ranging from three-pointers, mid-range jumpers and drives to the basket.
All together, the team looks to have bounced back offensively and defensively as a group.
I hope it is a springboard game
Green said. We made a good showing
and we kind of got out of the funk. We are also getting used to playing together now with Tony (Chatman) at point.
The Bobcats will return to Mid-American Conference action at 7 p.m. Wednesday in The Convo when they take on the Buffalo Bulls.
