The Mid-American Conference schedule has done no favors for Ohio so far.
The narrative will remain the same Wednesday when Ohio (9-7, 3-2 MAC) welcomes Buffalo (13-3, 4-1) into The Convo.
Coach Bob Boldon didn’t waste any time calling the Bulls how he sees them.
“They’re really really good,” Boldon said.
But playing a good team is nothing new to the Bobcats. Through five conference games, they have played Toledo twice, Central Michigan, Akron and most recently, Western Michigan. All four opponents provided tests for Ohio.
Three of the last four games have been away from Athens — the Bobcats have played just one home game since Dec. 31.
Playing tough opponents on the road has been trying, but it’s part of the season.
“That’s the grind of this conference,” Boldon said. “You’re in different cities every couple days, none of them particularly exciting cities, and remote places throughout the midwest and it’s just kind of a grind and you have to be here to play basketball.”
As tough as the previous opponents have been, Buffalo is even better, even with the Bobcats playing at home. The Bulls’ come in with only one conference loss — an overtime defeat at Northern Illinois.
Led by guards Stephanie Reid and Cierra Dillard along with forward Cassie Oursler, who all average over 10 points per game, the Bulls balance makes them difficult to defend.
Ohio, however, is one of the best defensive teams not only in the MAC, but in the country. The defense of the Bobcats will be a key in slowing down the Bulls.
No matter how it happens, a win would go a long way for the Bobcats in the MAC.
The matchup with Buffalo is just another tough game on the schedule for Ohio, which doesn’t seem to have an easy game anywhere in sight.
“They just keep coming,” Boldon said.
