As the only Mid-American Conference team yet to win a conference game, Ohio will attempt to avoid the record books Saturday against Eastern Michigan.
Since women’s basketball became a MAC sport in 1981-82, the Bobcats have finished with a losing record in conference play 19 times, but have never lost more than nine consecutive games — with the 1998-99 Bobcats being the lone squad to do so.
After falling to Northern Illinois on Wednesday, Ohio (5-16, 0-9 MAC) tied the all-time MAC record for consecutive losses. However, the Bobcats had never lost more than their first five conference games until this season.
As the worst season in her tenure continues, Ohio coach Semeka Randall refused comment after the loss and was not made available to the press prior to the team leaving for Ypsilanti today.
Although they have scored 50-plus points in back-to-back games, the Bobcats rank in the bottom two teams in scoring offense and margin, as well as free throw percentage and field goal percentage in MAC play.
Eastern Michigan (5-17, 3-6 MAC) has lost six of its past eight MAC games, but scored a season-high 81 points in a loss to Akron on Wednesday. The Zips began the game with the 11th highest scoring offense in the NCAA, but topped the Eagles with just 0.7 seconds remaining after scoring a lay-up.
Aside from stellar offensive play, the Eagles also controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Zips 41-24.
While Eastern Michigan lost to Akron in the final second, the Bobcats fell to the Zips by 27 points in a rout to begin MAC play.
Having allowed 72 points to Northern Illinois, which began Wednesday winless in MAC play, Ohio will have to limit offensive-runs from Eastern Michigan to keep up.
“From start to finish we have to compete and can’t allow scoring gaps,” junior guard Erin Bailes said. “We’ll be good the first four to eight minutes, but the middle of halves is tough and that’s where a lot of teams are making runs, so we need to stop that.”
Junior forward Olivia Fouty leads the Eagles, averaging 11 points and eight rebounds a game. She is filling a void left by former junior guard Miranda Tate, who was dismissed from the team to begin January, despite averaging 13 points per game in 12 games.
Eastern Michigan has won the past three meetings against the Bobcats, including a 63-53 win in The Convo last season.
Junior guard Shavon Robinson finished last season’s game with 14 points and five steals, but has struggled to regain her form in her first three games back after injury.
The game will be broadcasted on SportsTime Ohio, which is the first time this season Ohio will be televised, something senior guard Symone Lyles says is fuel to perform well in the spotlight.
“I know a couple coaches from other schools in the MAC will also be watching, so we want to come in and show everyone who we really are,” Lyles said.
UP-NEXT:
Ohio (5-16, 0-9) at Eastern Michigan (5-17, 3-6)
Saturday at Noon
— Ohio is the only team winless in MAC play
— Bobcats have never lost more than nine consecutive MAC games
— Ohio also clinched its 20th losing MAC record in 32 seasons
cl027410@ohiou.edu
