Jerome Tillman's streak of 21 consecutive games of double-figure scoring was in jeopardy for most of Tuesday's game against Akron.
But Tillman, who didn't score in the second half for Ohio, had four points in overtime to stretch the streak to 22 games.
Unlike Ohio's other opponents, the Zips had successfully defended Tillman.
We have done a good job with Tillman for the most part in my career
said Akron coach Keith Dambrot. You've got to make him work for every inch of the floor. He's by far the best player in the league.
Akron held Tillman to 12 points on seven shots. He also added seven rebounds.
Dambrot said his team rotated defenders and denied Tillman the basketball inside.
Their team pretty much plays off Jerome Dambrot said. If you can keep him from getting assists or points preferably points
then you've got a good chance.
Welcome to the MAC
With Tillman struggling to get open looks, Michael Allen stepped up for Ohio.
He led the way with a career-high 17 points.
Allen scored the first eight points for the Bobcats. He also had a career-high five steals and forced Akron point guard Anthony Hitchens to turn the ball over seven times.
I thought it was his best defensive performance
said coach John Groce. He was certainly a difference maker at both ends of the floor.
Allen especially made a difference against Hitchens, the Zips' leading scorer entering the game. Hitchens made just three of nine shots from the field and had seven points.
The senior point guard said he relished the chance to go against Hitchens, who is just a freshman.
When the freshman point guard is the head of the team
I've got a great opportunity to cut the head off
Allen said. He's a great player
but I thought we had a better opportunity to come out with a win if I could contain him.
Allen also endured a nasty fall at midcourt late in the game. Officials stopped play momentarily while Allen clutched his back. But moments later, he was on the floor and played the rest of the game without any noticeable pain.
I told him he's from Detroit - he's not allowed to be hurt
Groce joked.
See you next time
During post-game handshakes, Tillman and an Akron assistant appeared to get into a heated argument.
A group of players and coaches surrounded Tillman and the assistant. Ohio assistant Jamall Walker, stepped in and led Tillman out of the commotion. Once out, Tillman threw his hand in the air
and yelled on his way off the floor.
I saw one of our coaches after the game and he told me what was said
Groce said. I appreciate the fact that he stood up for our player and we'll just leave it at that.
Around the rim
Ohio has now won 21 of its last 22 games at home. ... The Bobcats are 6-0 when scoring more than 70 points. ... After starting the game 5 of 7 from 3-point range, the Bobcats shot just 1 of 10 the rest of the way.
