Bobcat players made it clear this week that they wouldn't let their two overtime road losses affect them as they geared up for Wednesday's game against Eastern Michigan.
They weren't kidding.
Forwards Jerome Tillman and Leon Williams came out wreaking havoc on the young Eagles' frontcourt and powered the Bobcats to a 67-61 victory. But after the game, the two clearly remembered their close road losses to Kent State and Miami as they turned their attention to their next game at Ball State on Sunday.
Williams, who had 18 points and 17 rebounds against the Eagles, said he understands the importance of getting off to a good start on the road.
We need to get a win on the road
because two overtime losses is tough Williams said. Sometimes we just come out slow on the road so we need to bring the same energy we come out at with tonight.
While Tillman and the Bobcats had the Eagles frustrated Wednesday night, it was he who sounded frustrated at his team's early lack of success outside of The Convo in Mid-American Conference play.
Our last two road games in the MAC we've lost in overtime by a combined five points
Tillman said. We got to get our defense together to win on the road at Ball State. Without a win on the road yet we really need to get one there.
Coach Tim O'Shea said that the two losses were against some of the toughest opponents in the conference, but the winning teams still caught some lucky breaks.
We are playing well and have played two good teams on the road
we have been right there
just haven't got the breaks at the end
O'Shea said. Teams are winning on the road right now
we had two opportunities but we just didn't get them.
Ball State will be looking to rebound after a home loss to Kent State Wednesday night. The Cardinals are 6-13 overall and just 2-4 in the MAC West, where Toledo is currently running away with the division.
O'Shea wants a victory at Ball State to build some momentum for his squad when Toledo, who could be unbeaten in the conference, comes to Athens next week. O'Shea said one positive is that there is no carryover from game to game, so the Bobcats' poor shooting performance against the Eagles will not carry over.
There is absolutely no correlation with what went on tonight and how we will play on Sunday
O'Shea said. We need to break through and get a win so we can have some momentum when Toledo comes in here.
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