For the second straight game the Ohio men's basketball team poured in more than 80 points in a dominating home court blowout.
The Bobcats used a 29-point victory over Central Michigan in the first round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament to build their momentum as they punched their ticket to Cleveland. It was the type of performance the 'Cats would like to continue as they attempt to make a run at another MAC Championship.
I hope we can go to Cleveland and shoot the ball this well
coach Tim O'Shea said. I think this was a carry over from Saturday and I think our confidence has been restored not that we ever really lost it. But everyone in the locker room is feeling pretty comfortable and we definitely have some momentum.
It was the eighth 80-point output - all victories - for the Bobcats this season, something O'Shea thought his team would do more often this year. Though the team struggled to reach the magical mark of 65 points in 10 games this season - all of which the Bobcats lost, the 'Cats are now scoring at the level they want to be heading to Cleveland.
The funny part is I always thought this team would have no problem scoring points though it hasn't been that way sometimes
O'Shea said. I've never had a team with a remarkable statistic like when you score 65 you are 16-0. I guess we just have to find a way to score 65 against Miami.
Tillman's time
Fresh off earning All-MAC Freshman team honors, forward Jerome Tillman scored eight points, pulled down three rebounds and grabbed three steals in his first MAC Tournament game. He wouldn't talk like a freshman after the game.
This game was a lot of fun and a new experience for me
but the real test is when we go to Cleveland where the stakes are high
because we want to go back to the NCAA Tournament
Tillman said. It feels good to be part of the team seeing I was sick at the beginning of the season
but it is a big boost of confidence for me
but I know the sky is the limit. And my goal is to be one of the best players in the conference.
Tillman has averaged seven points and almost four rebounds per game his rookie season despite missing the first four games of the season with mono.
Ohio/Miami: round 3
Up next for the Bobcats will be the fourth-seeded Miami RedHawks, a team that has defeated Ohio twice this season. Ohio will be looking to eliminate Miami from the MAC Tournament for the second year in a row in order to advance to the semifinals.
They are going to be ready for us and we are going to have to come out and play hard
because we can't sneak up on them
guard Jeff Halbert said. We knocked them out of the tournament last year and my freshman year and some of those players are still on the team. But
