Many Ohio students have a variety of reasons to hate Miami.
Nicely tailored, buttoned-down shirts and a feeling of entitlement seem to be common reasons. But to players on the women's basketball team, is it really much different than any other game?
Both teams have seen better days, as Miami is fourth and Ohio is sixth in the Mid-American Conference East Division.
The two haven't had intense, meaningful games that help spark a rivalry, such as Duke vs. North Carolina in men's basketball or Ohio State vs. Michigan in football.
For junior Kamille Buckner, a native of Chicago, the matchup means a lot more to her teammates.
Personally
I don't get as excited for this game as opposed to other MAC East games Buckner said. I try to play the same every game but I think others get more pumped for it.
Jennifer Bushby said she feels more is at stake because of the bragging rights among students. Seeing familiar opponents from Ohio also make the game meaningful for her.
I don't think I get more motivated for it
but there's definitely more incentive to win
Bushby said.
The game gives Ohio (6-20, 2-11 MAC) a chance to get out of its current rut. The team has lost its last five games, and lead late last game against Kent State only to lose 80-74.
The Bobcats can build on their recent offensive success. The move of Bushby to point guard has allowed the offense to be more fluid, and the growth of forward Carolyn Barnett has helped balance the attack. Ohio looked more comfortable offensively Saturday than in previous MAC games.
I think we're being more aggressive
Bushby said. We're attacking more and pushing the ball more
and that's how this team scores points.
While the offense has moved forward, the defense seems to have taken a step back. Kent State's 80 points was the second highest a team has scored on the Bobcats all season.
With a chance to break out of their defensive struggles, Bushby and Buckner said they still have motivation to come out strong, even with a subpar season coming to a close.
We just need to focus on the defense
Buckner said. We need to come out strong on defense and not put ourselves in a hole.
wf743006@ohiou.edu
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