Ohio's (2-9, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) nonconference schedule is over, and it couldn't have gone much worse. Ohio finished its nonconference slate with five-straight losses, including its most recent 81-59 defeat at the hands of Columbia (11-2, 0-0 Ivy League).
The Bobcats coped in the first half after an ugly first quarter that saw the Lions take an 11-point lead. Yaya Felder opened the second quarter with eight of the first 10 Bobcat points. A 3-pointer from Kendall Hale then cut the Lions' lead to five points. The Lions answered with their own scoring run, but Caitlyn Kroll kept the Bobcats within reach with five-straight points. The Bobcats headed to the locker room down by five after a jump shot by Jaya McClure.
Both offenses struggled to make shots in the third quarter, but Abby Garnett was able to keep the Bobcats' offense afloat with five consecutive points. A 3-point field goal helped the Lions create some breathing room and extend their lead to nine, but Kroll ended the third quarter with a layup to put the Bobcats within striking distance.
The Bobcats pulled even closer on a 3-pointer by Hale on their first possession of the fourth quarter. The Lions again answered with their own scoring run, and the Bobcats faded quickly. Hale made another jump shot to try and help the Bobcats but the Lions went on an 8-0 run to create a 14-point lead. Kroll gave the Bobcats one last chance with a 3-pointer, but the Lions' next 6-0 scoring run knocked out the Bobcats.
Despite the loss, the Bobcats received another strong performance from Felder, who led the team with 21 points. Hale and Kroll also contributed offensively with 10 and 11 points, respectively. Kroll was only two rebounds away from recording a double-double, as she led the team with eight rebounds.
The Bobcats may be disappointed with their showing in nonconference play, but MAC play will provide them with a fresh slate.
