Despite losing two starters to injury Wednesday during the first half of its game against Western Michigan, Ohio still played as if they had a full roster.
After losing Jasmine Weatherspoon (injured leg) and Yamonie Jenkins, the Bobcats defeated the Broncos 80-67 to win their third straight game.
Weatherspoon left during the first quarter, but returned with 3:14 left to go. She left the floor again with 1:28 left, sitting for the rest of the game. Jenkins suffered an apparent ankle injury during the second quarter, but returned to begin the second half.
During the first half, the Bobcats played as if they didn’t lack depth, but they struggled in the second half. Western Michigan went on a 10-6 run during the middle of the third quarter, cutting Ohio's lead to 61-55 at the end of the quarter.
The Broncos' (14-5, 5-3 MAC) ability to score inside was clear, and because Weatherspoon was out, the Bobcats lacked rim protection. Despite the Bobcats’ lack of interior defense, their offense compensated.
This was a physical game for the Bobcats. Along with Weatherspoon and Jenkins suffering injuries, freshman Amani Burke fell to the floor during the third quarter after getting fouled by Western Michigan’s Najee Smith.
Combine the Broncos’ physicality and ability to score inside, and the Bobcats’ (15-4, 6-2 in the Mid-American Conference) lead wasn’t comfortable anymore.
But Katie Barker made the Bobcats calm again in the fourth quarter.
Barker helped OU maintain its lead near the end of the fourth quarter. Barker scored 18 points, tying her season-high. She also shot 50 percent from the field.
The Bobcats needed a game in which Quiera Lampkins didn’t have to carry the team. They got it. The No. 2 scorer in the MAC, Lampkins scored 16 points on 5-of-9 from the field.
With Ohio winning its third straight game, it’s beginning to play like an elite team again. Ohio will play Miami (7-13, 1-6 MAC) on Saturday at 1 p.m.
