A room full of RedHawks in a room full of typewriters couldn't have written the scene any better.
Well, maybe, that is, if RedHawks existed.
Anyway, the matchup tonight between the Ohio Bobcats and the Miami RedHawks in the Mid-American Conference Tournament quarterfinals is set and how can anyone not be excited?
Even with Miami beating Ohio twice this season, tonight's game will be the only one that matters in the long run. If the Bobcats can put together a win and erase the damage done by their rival, I think every Ohio fan would be more than pleased.
What else could an Ohio fan want more than to end Miami's season for the second time in as many years?
While most are picking Miami as one of the favorites to win the tournament this year, the green and white in me says Ohio will pull this one out. I just can't see Charlie Coles and company beating a Bobcat team three times in one year - especially with the third game being on a neutral court.
Also, recent history is on Ohio's side as well. The Bobcats have ended the RedHawks' shot at making it to the NCAA Tournament two times in three years. With a win tonight, the Ohio faithful could say their Bobcats have eliminated Miami from the MAC Tournament three times in four years. I'll easily take this over the two regular season games the RedHawks took from the 'Cats.
Another reason I think the Bobcats will beat those dreaded RedHawks is that the 'Cats have caught fire on their last two games and are coming into this game with as much momentum as they could possibly have. With two huge blowouts in a row, every player in the Ohio locker room is brimming with confidence and a majority of the players can call back on the experience they gained last year by winning the MAC Tournament.
Guards Mychal Green and Jeff Halbert are playing as well as they have all year and are finally back to full health. Leon Williams is getting back into his grove and, as long as he isn't charged with ticky-tack fouls and Monty St. Clair flops, I think he will be a major factor.
The Bobcats' role players are all doing their part with Whitney Davis, Jerome Tillman, Tony Chatman and Johnnie Jackson all chipping in when needed.
Finally, I don't think the Ohio seniors are going to let their season end with a third straight loss to their rival. The RedHawks are going to put up a fight with their NCAA life on the line tonight. This game is going to be a classic slugfest.
The defense will be tough as usual; every rebound will be fought for and the bodies will be flying - hopefully more than just St. Clair flopping whenever Williams makes a move to the basket.
- Nick Miller is a junior journalism major who can't wait to listen to Charlie Coles in the post-game news conference tomorrow night. Send him an e-mail at nm202803@ohiou.edu.
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Nick Miller
