On the court, traveling is never good. Off the court, it's rarely good, especially when rough weather is involved. But when snow struck the Midwest this week, the Bobcats struck back.
Ohio (7-15, 3-6 Mid-American Conference) made the most of its trek to play Ball State Wednesday. The Bobcats' 68-59 victory against the Cardinals showed drastic improvements from their last road outing, which was a nightmarish loss to Eastern Michigan.
And they did it in the snow, no less.
Ohio typically leaves Athens after practice the day before a road game. Tuesday, the team packed up and left town before its scheduled afternoon practice.
Oh yeah
it was bad coach Semeka Randall said about the weather along the road to Muncie, Ind.
We took our time. We didn't let that affect us or impact us. We just kind of changed a couple things around in the schedule and made it happen.
The Bobcats executed on the hardwood, too. Four players finished in double figures, marking the third time in five games at least three players scored 10 points. Ohio has won all three of those games.
It's a sign of freshmen growing up to be sophomores and sophomores being able to compete like juniors Randall said. The challenge is learning how to do that consistently.
The Bobcats effectively stole a win from the Cardinals by forcing 28 turnovers and converting them into a season-high 33 points. Freshman guard Shavon Robinson led the team with 16 points and four steals.
What, exactly, is the key to swiping the basketball?
Anticipation
Randall said. That's part of our defense
what we teach our kids here. She did a good job of anticipating.
Ball control might prove to be critical tomorrow when Central Michigan visits The Convo. The Chippewas (14-7, 6-3 MAC) tote a fast-paced offensive onslaught that scores 83.5 points per game. But their style of play also leads to many scoring opportunities. Central Michigan is allowing a conference-worst 75.2 points per game.
Randall said Central Michigan thrives on transition opportunities and by penetrating the lane. She said her players would have to move their feet to keep the Chippewas confined to the perimeter.
You've got to be able to guard the ball
she said. If you slide two times
you're going to be beat by these guys.
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