Ohio will try to fix some defensive factors against a visiting Morehead State on Wednesday morning.
Although Ohio has outscored its opponents by more than 30 points per game on average, Coach Bob Boldon wasn’t satisfied with the Bobcats’ second-half defense on Sunday.
After holding Manhattan to just 22 points and a 32 percent shooting percentage in the first half, defensive breakdowns allowed the Jaspers to score 36 points — one fewer than Ohio that half.
“We’re gonna break it down, and we’re going to find out why we gave up so many open threes, why we gave up so many layups. Why we weren’t able to slow down their ball movement,” Boldon said. “We really didn’t take anything away from them in the second half, and that’s a little frustrating.”
Ohio focused on its defensive shifts and turnovers during its two days of practice this week.
Junior guard Kiyanna Black said the Bobcats will focus on taking care of the ball and some of its defensive play in the second half against Morehead State. Ohio (5-0) had seven of its 10 turnovers in the second half against Manhattan.
“I think we’re off to a great start, but we’re lacking on the defensive end,” Black said. “I think this next game, (Boldon) is testing our defensive will and how much pride we have on defense.”
Morehead State (3-3) has averaged 73 points per game this season, as the Eagles are coming off a two-point loss to Lipscomb. In all of its wins, the Eagles have scored more than 78 points.
Boldon and the Bobcats may alter the 3-2 defense they played against the Jaspers, as their defense has relied on speed, steals and pressure on the perimeter.
“We’re looking to better our defense, because against (Manhattan) we didn’t really play our best defense,” sophomore guard Yamonie Jenkins said. “But our offense looked good, so we’re going to try and keep that up.”
Ohio’s quick, motion offense may help counteract some defensive flaws, as the Bobcats have a plus-160 point differential.
Ohio focused on moving the ball this week in practice against some half-court presses and a 2-3 defense — something it could see in its matchup with Morehead State. Manhattan ran a 2-3 against Ohio, which allowed senior Mariah Byard to score off drives and mid-range shots.
With a win Wednesday, Ohio could tie a program-best 6-0 to start the season, which last happened during the 1985-86 campaign. Last season, Ohio rallied to defeat Morehead State after scoring 16 points in overtime.
“It’s just fun playing (up-tempo),” junior forward Lexie Baldwin said. “Once we get a lead, everyone’s happy and into the game and want to keep going up. We want to force some turnovers.”
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