Quiera Lampkins made sure Ohio would remain undefeated and continue its strongest start since she's been here.
After only leading by six at half, Ohio amped up the tempo and took control of the second half and beat Duquesne 64-46 Saturday afternoon in The Convo.
Ohio came out in the third quarter similarly to how it did in the second with a quick 5-0 run on a steal and basket and a three-pointer in transition. The difference between the second quarter and the third quarter, though, is Ohio retained its lead and never gave it back.
Despite the size differential, Ohio's defense wasn't what kept the game close, it was missing open shots that hurt them. At half Ohio shot just 3-of-17 from behind the 3-point line. The Bobcats got good looks from outside, they just couldn't make the shot.
Ohio opened the game with a 13-3 lead. It looked like it found a way to beat the zone. It worked the ball inside and got six easy points from Lampkins and four more from Jasmine Weatherspoon.
But that strong start only lasted four minutes. Ohio proceeded to go the next six minutes without scoring a basket and getting four points from free throws to close out the quarter.
At the rate they were missing shots, Duquesne made them and halfway through the second quarter, Duquesne managed to squeak out a one-point lead.
But it was Yamonie Jenkins' defense in the third quarter that kick-started the Bobcats to jump out to a 13-point lead with six minutes left in the third. Though she did go out for a bit with an apparent leg injury, Ohio responded like it had all game and continued to thrive defensively and find the basket, offensively.
Lampkins lead all Ohio scorers with 19 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.
Ohio (6-0) is off to its best start in the Bob Boldon era.
The big thing for Ohio staying healthy. The Bobcats haven't had their full team at all this season. After having what looked to be a consistent starting five, Kelly Karlis injured herself and wasn't available against Duquesne.
Having Karlis adds height to the starting lineup. And although the past two games, Ohio has faced teams that have a height and size advantage over them.
But that meant nothing to the Bobcats against Duquesne. They still managed to tie in rebounds against Duquesne and it still found a way to win and remain unblemished.
Ohio's next game is Dec. 10 at 3 p.m. against IUPUI on the road.
