Women's Basketball: Bobcats look to bounce back from rough loss

Semeka Randall calmly challenged her team to own its poor play following Saturday's 72-65 loss to Central Michigan.

Ohio committed 25 turnovers and shot a dismal 33 percent in the first half to fall behind by 11. They also panicked against the Chippewas' trap defense whenever they closed the lead in the second half.

Looking ahead to Eastern Michigan tonight, Randall repeated her feelings on the team's need for growth at yesterday's practice.

A coach can only do the preparation for you

she said. As a player you're asked to come in and perform to the highest level as an individual.

An All-American guard while playing at Tennessee, Randall understands the pressure student-athletes face. A road trip to

Ypsilanti, Mich., after two weeks at home might be just what the doctor ordered.

Randall even collects her players' cell phones during long road trips, forcing them to focus on their teammates.

They need to be devoted to their team she said.

Lauren Hmiel agreed that the Bobcats could use the road trip - they left yesterday evening - to their advantage.

It'll be good to just get away

said the senior. We've got to learn to play together.

Hmiel, one of two seniors on the roster, is taking responsibility for her team's state of mind. She's been doing it on the court, leading Ohio with 14.9 points per game. She is also stepping up off the floor in response to Randall's challenge.

There are always points where you might not play as well as you want

Hmiel said. But it's important that I stay positive. We have to keep working hard.

The Bobcats are operating under a leadership by committee

Randall said. If one of the starters falters, the other players have to be there to pick up the slack.

Most of all, Ohio has to remember it's not the only team going through a rough patch. The Eagles will be sitting on an eight-game losing streak when they tipoff against the Bobcats tonight.

That's a team starving for a win

Randall said. Everybody's in the same boat. There's no perfect team.

It's not just us. We can't have this 'poor me' syndrome.