With Ohio in danger of laying another egg on national television, Bubba Walther gave a raucous Convo crowd something to cheer about.
The Bobcats, who trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half to George Mason, turned to Walther, who fueled a fervent rally. The senior guard poured in 18 second-half points as Ohio topped the Patriots 69-57 Saturday in its ESPNU BracketBuster game.
Coach Tim O'Shea called Walther's performance his best game in an Ohio uniform
and credited him with helping the Bobcats outscore George Mason 50-25 in the second half.
He was incredible O'Shea said. This is what seniors are supposed to do and he put us on his back and made big shots and big play after big play.
Walther, who tallied four 3-point field goals in the second half, said the team didn't panic despite a 13-point halftime deficit, and added that, as a streak shooter, all it took was one shot to get him in a rhythm.
I'm either really good or really bad and I've kind of accepted that
he said. Halftime hit and I was sitting there telling myself 'just calm down
you're a senior
you have to step up big.'
Once I hit that first one in the second half, it really calmed me down and I kept hitting them.
O'Shea added that it's huge that Walther is playing the best basketball of his career at the end of his senior year.
Hopefully he'll get a chance to play in the postseason, O'Shea said. Hopefully the NCAA Tournament if he keeps playing like this.
While Walther said that he doesn't get more amped up for games on national television
he added that he does relish the opportunity to play well in front of a larger audience.
I don't think playing ESPN2 is that big of a factor, but I'm glad I play well when we are on there, Walther said. Everyone can see it.
Fellow senior Leon Williams added 16 points
three of which on a turnaround 3-point field goal as time expired
the first attempt of his career.
Honestly, I just put it up, Williams said. I heard Bubba say 'shoot it,' and I just put it up and it went in.Walther
a seasoned 3-point specialist
joked that he didn't think the ball was going to hit the rim when Williams put it up.
I was surprised that it went in, Walther quipped. Now we don't have to draw up a play for him on senior night.
Williams also got the best of former high school rival Will Thomas
