After losing all five of its first Mid-American Conference games in blowout fashion, Ohio (5-12, 0-5 Mid-American Conference) will travel to Muncie, Ind., on Saturday to battle the Ball State Cardinals (7-11, 4-1 MAC) in hopes of righting the ship.
Ohio’s losing skid has been largely influenced by a severe lack of depth due to injury, most notably to junior guard Shavon Robinson and sophomore guard Mariah Byard. But good news might be on the way.
“We’re hopeful (that Mariah will play against Ball State); she has to feel comfortable out there on the floor,” said Ohio coach Semeka Randall.
Four players are averaging more than 30 minutes of playing time per game for Ohio in MAC play and Randall has noticed that opposing teams develop a strategy that attacks Ohio’s lack of depth.
“(The opposition) is playing the game as if it were a game of chess, running people in and out of the lineup,” said Randall.
Ball State will look to capture Ohio’s proverbial king by subbing in and out against the Bobcats to match-up fresh legs against Ohio’s fatigued ones.
Much like Ohio, a freshman guard has led Ball State this season. Shooting guard Nathalie Fontaine leads Ball State in scoring and rebounding, averaging nearly 13 and six, respectively.
Ball State averages 58 points per game, which is about four points higher than what Ohio averages per game. The Bobcats could pull off the road victory — it will help if Byard plays — but the team will need to limit Fontaine while still containing her surrounding players.
Ohio has done a good job against teams’ go-to players in recent weeks, but the lack of depth leads to a balanced scoring attack from the opposition. During Wednesday’s game against Central Michigan, the Bobcats limited Crystal Bradford, who leads the MAC in scoring with 20 points per game, to just 10 points. However, four other Chippewas scored in double figures.
“I have to give credit to our team, there is no excuse, but we are getting in better shape with the six kids that are out there playing,” said Randall. “Hopefully we’ll have somebody available in the next couple games here that will be able to help us with some rotations.”
Senior forward Tina Fisher has been a leader for Ohio through this rough patch, taking charges and hustling late in games when down to set an example.
“With the limited roster, it’s a little difficult energy-wise … We try to stick together and keep each other up,” said Fisher.
Randall recognizes Ohio’s effort and is proud of her team even though they have been shorthanded.
“Give (Ohio) credit that they are waking up every day and giving it their best; they’ve been gutsy,” said Randall.
jm296009@ohiou.edu
