The script was so predictable that it made Avatar look like an original storyline.
Here they were again: the Bobcats, in the midst of a forgettable Mid-American Conference season, had their paws wrapped around a game against one of the league's strongest teams.
For 34 minutes, they played under control and showed no signs of panic when Kent State made its run.
But when the clock began winking away to the closing moments, the Golden Flashes put the foot on the gas pedal and left the Bobcats trying to sort through the dust trail.
Ohio (6-20, 2-11 MAC) had the arduous task of defending the Golden Flashes' explosive duo of Jamilah Humes and Taisja Jones, who combined for 43 points in a 80-74 win Saturday at The Convo.
Four Kent State players scored in double figures and helped erase a pair of four-point deficits in the final five minutes. Once again, the Bobcats committed costly mistakes in the crucial moments and afforded one of the MAC's best teams an opportunity to get back in the game.
The Bobcats led 63-59 after Jenny Poff found Thia Gholson underneath with 5:28 to play, but ill-timed miscues dominated the rest of the second half.
I don't even have that many timeouts to call
Ohio coach Semeka Randall said. At times I think we get content with being mediocre. I think it damn sure feels good to break through (and win).
The Bobcats couldn't ride on the coattails of Jennifer Bushby, who tied a game-high with 23 points.
Kent State took advantage of repetitive Ohio fouls, and made 24 of 37 free throw attempts on the day. On the flip side, the Bobcats went 5-for-15 from the stripe.
They went to the line and they make their free throws
Randall said. This is like a bad nightmare
and I just want to wake up.
Ahead three points, Bushby fouled Humes on an apparently harmless play, but Humes split her pair of free throws with the Bobcats over the 10-foul mark.
Danielle Woodmore missed a 3-point try on Ohio's next possession, and Yoshica Spears got a cupcake rebound up to Humes, who quickly tied the game at 65-all.
Following a layup by Kamille Buckner, the Bobcats never led again.
Spears, Jones and Humes were aggressive on the ball and catalyzed Kent State to an eight-point lead inside the final minute.
In the middle minutes of basketball games, Ohio looks like a composed and determined group. The beginning and end of games have been disastrous, leaving Randall looking for answers up and down
her lineup.
We just don't make plays down the stretch
Randall said. Anybody can play in the middle part of the game
but great players rise to the occasion.
(Humes) was 9-for-11 from the line. Hell, I'll take that any day of the week.
,",2,Sports,Rob Mixer,30720a.jpg,Ohio sophomore guard Danielle Woodmore attempts a jump shot against Kent State in The Convo Saturday. Mike McGoldrick | FOR THE POST
