Ohio (14-1, 3-1 Mid-American Conference) defeated Kent State (10-5, 3-1 MAC) 83-81 on Wednesday night at The Convo.
The Bobcats built a comfy 46-31 lead in the first half, but saw it evaporate with the Golden Flashes’ offensive resurgence in the second half. Kent State nearly stole Ohio’s lead in the fourth quarter, but the Bobcats’ strong first half gave them just enough cushion to maintain a lead.
Kent State suffered its first loss in MAC play, and the Bobcats tied the Golden Flashes for first place in the MAC East Division.
Here are three stats that mattered:
6
Number of blocks made by Ohio’s defense. It was the most blocks Ohio has garnered in a game this season.
The Bobcats held a firm grasp on the Golden Flashes’ shooting game for the majority of their win, and it made a difference when Kent State nearly clawed back in the final minutes.
Although Ohio’s defense lost its momentum in the final quarter and allowed Kent State back into the game, it arguably played its best three quarters of the season prior to the game’s final 10 minutes and showed how dominant it can be when both sides of the floor are in sync.
46 percent
Ohio’s shooting percentage. After failing to shoot above 38 percent in its first two conference games, the Bobcats’ offense bounced back and shot 45 percent in their last two games.
Cece Hooks led Ohio with 23 points and three other players reached double digits against one of the better defenses in the conference. Kent State only allowed 59 points per game before Wednesday’s game.
40
Minutes that Ohio held the lead. The Bobcats held their lead throughout the entire game despite four players entering four or more fouls with five minutes still to play. It forced Ohio to play softer on defense, and it nearly allowed Kent State back into the game.
The fourth quarter presented another adversity test, which Ohio has rarely had to face throughout its dominant season so far. The Bobcats can still take pride in defeating one of the MAC’s better teams and beginning their difficult start to the conference on a solid note.
