Ohio (1-6 overall) has struggled through the first month of non-conference play, dropping its last five games in a row. Ohio has also been on the road a lot in these opening games, and that is always a challenge, especially when the level of the opponent is strong. Ohio head coach Jeff Boals and the program wanted a challenge to start the year, and they’ve gotten it, but now they need to regroup and get back in the win column.
After a two-week hiatus from The Convo, the Bobcats welcome the Maine Black Bears (0-9 overall). Maine has played a moderately tough schedule to this point and has gone winless. Ohio should look to take advantage of what has been working so far this season, which has been its presence within the paint, by utilizing aggressiveness and physical play down low.
The other big factor for Ohio will be senior guard Jackson Paveletzke. Paveletzke had two consecutive 28-point performances against Louisville and Bethune-Cookman, but in the Sunshine Slam last week, he was limited to 17 points combined over both games. The ability for him to score the ball is the engine that makes this Ohio offense go for both him and his teammates, because when he gets going, he can also facilitate for others.
These factors will pay big dividends Wednesday night if Ohio can get rolling and back in the win column. Now, let’s take a look at Maine.
Game Information
Opponent: Maine Black Bears
Location: The Convo
Time: Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Where to watch: ESPN+
Follow live stats here
Head Coach: Chris Markwood (fourth season)
Markwood has a 48-57 record as the head coach at Maine. Last year, he led the Black Bears to only their second winning season in the last 21 years, as well as being a part of the first team to go to the America East Conference Tournament Championship game in 21 seasons.
Markwood also started his coaching career as part of the staff at Maine from 2006 through 2011, including a 19-win campaign in 2009-2010.
Projected Starters:
#01 TJ Biel
#03 Ryan Mabrey
#24 Mekhi Gray
#25 Keelan Steele
#64 Bashir N’Galang
Statistical leaders:
Points: Biel (12.7 per game)
Assists: N’Galang (2.1 per game)
Rebounds: Ace Flagg and Biel (5 per game)
FG%: Isaac Bonilla (52.9%)
3-point percentage: Bonilla (53.8%)
Maine player to watch: TJ Biel
Biel has been a force on both ends of the floor for the Black Bears. The senior big man leads them in scoring and will play physically to match Ohio’s big men. He also averages 1.2 blocks per game, something the Bobcats will have to look out for as they attack the basket.
Biel has also been effective rebounding for Maine. He is tied for the team lead, averaging five a night, but more importantly, is averaging over one offensive rebound per contest. Ohio has struggled in its first few games at crashing the defensive class strong, and teams have been taking advantage with second-chance points, and someone like Biel can facilitate these extra opportunities with his rebounding ability.
The Bobcats will have to hold him in check with guys like Javan Simmons and Jalen Breath to have a successful night on Wednesday.
