The same mistakes that have doomed the Bobcats all year ended their season and any chance of an upset of Central Michigan.
The Bobcats (8-22, 4-13 Mid-American Conference) led for almost the entire contest, but Ohio didn't have an answer when the Chippewas came back with 10 minutes left in the game. Missed free throws and turnovers in the late minutes caused an 11-point lead to disappear as the Chippewas came out on top 69-66.
I'm really proud of my team in terms of how hard we played
coach Semeka Randall said. They came out and gave everything they had.
With just 48 seconds left, the Bobcats let an opportunity to seal the game slip away after Central Michigan's Kaihla Szunko missed two free throws with her team down 65-64. After missing the second, an uncovered Szunko was able to get her own rebound and made a layup while getting fouled. Szunko then sunk the free throw to put her team up 67-65.
A key missed free throw by point guard Ashley Fowler left the score at 67-66 with 27 seconds left. After Central Michigan made two free throws, Jennifer Bushby wasn't able to hit a last second 3-pointer to tie the game.
They made big shots that gave them energy and gave them momentum and more life Randall said. They were able to take advantage of that.
The stumble down the stretch overshadowed the quality performance Ohio put on for most of the game. The Bobcats scored some points in the post, and got quality shooting performances from their guards.
Center Thia Gholson kept Ohio in the game for most of the second half with her play in the post. The junior center had 10 points in the second half and had two straight key buckets with five minutes left that stifled the Chippewas momentum as they tried to pull ahead.
I was just trying to keep our team in the game any way I could Gholson said. With us trading baskets
someone needed to step up
so I tried my best.
The game marked the end of two great careers for the Bobcats with Bushby and Jenny Poff. The Chippewas contained Bushby for most of the game, but Poff was a big factor, with 17 points and making 5 of her 10 3-point attempts.
To my two seniors
you never want to see them go out like this
Randall said. But they fought like heck for us and they contributed so much for us.
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Sports
Will Frasure
