Da'Keisha Mann missed an important 3-pointer late in Ohio's overtime loss at Kent State.
But it's a surprise that she took the shot in the first place.
Mann has seen a considerable increase in her playing time over the last four games. She has played 59 minutes over that span, including a season-high 25 on Saturday.
In the previous six games, she played a total of 26 minutes.
(Mann) goes out there and keeps getting better and better at each practice
coach Semeka Randall said. As you start to work hard in practice coaches have to reward you in a game.
In Saturday's game, Mann scored a season-high 10 points. Before that, she had only 14 points on the season.
After her performance against Kent State, she's proven to Randall that she's ready to play.
It gives you some hope for her in terms of now and in the future Randall said.
Frustrated 'cats
The Bobcats have played in nine games that were decided by less than six points, but have only won two - against Buffalo and Akron.
It can be very frustrating
senior Chandra Myers said. We keep saying that we're learning from it
but we are almost to the point where
'Have we learned yet?'
Saturday's loss to Kent State intensified the frustration, but the Bobcats still are not giving up on making the right plays at the right time.
Eventually
we are going to finish those close games
junior Jennifer Bushby said. I agree with (Coach Randall) that there is something in the making here.
Tired of Overtime?
Since opening the Mid-American Conference schedule, Ohio has played in three games that have gone into overtime.
Two games shouldn't have seen the extra period, Myers said.
We should have came out and should have played a lot better than we actually did
she said.
Ohio looked tired in its latest overtime at Kent State. Shots weren't falling, and their defense looked sluggish.
But the Bobcats don't blame the fatigue on the prior extended games.
It was a very physical game
Randall said. As the game wore along
we got a little fatigued and tired from (the physicality).
