Ohio (10-5 overall, 4-1 Mid-American Conference) lost a close game to Kent State (7-10 overall, 2-4 MAC) with a final score of 71-68. The game was very winnable for both teams, as Ohio and Kent’s shooting percentages were almost identical across the board.
Ohio shot 44% from the field, 31% from three and 72% from the free throw line. Kent State on the other hand shot 37.1% from the field, 28% from behind the arc and 80% from the free throw line. This matchup was decided by whoever made fewer mistakes, and that team happened to be the Golden Flashes.
Kent State’s bench was the key to this win, as it outscored Ohio’s bench 31 to 22. Another mistake on Ohio’s end was getting outrebounded by 21 rebounds. Kent State managed to haul in 45 rebounds, with Emory Klatt having 12 along with 17 points. These rebounds allowed Kent State to add 19 second-chance points compared to Ohio’s singular point off of second chance opportunities.
Ohio’s best quarter of play was the first quarter. After a few traded shots that included opening three pointers from both teams, Ohio’s Asiah Baxter scored a triple to give the Bobcats an 8-3 lead, one that would not be lost throughout the rest of the game.
Kent State made a few good attempts to take the lead or tie the game, with two free throws from Kent State’s Dionna Gray making the score 13-12. Ohio managed to stay strong throughout the first quarter and continued its offensive onslaught. Ohio would end the first quarter with a 25-18 lead, having shot 69% from the field and 62% on threes.
The Bobcats hit a huge slump in the second quarter, as that near 70% shooting percentage dipped below 30%, and Kent State was able to rally and eventually take the lead. This is the quarter where the rebounding really came into play, as Kent had seven points off of offensive rebounds.
Ohio also struggled from behind the arc in this quarter, as all six three-point attempts were missed while Kent State was able to make three of its own. This all resulted in Ohio giving up the lead to Kent State, and the quarter ended with a score of 39-36.
Ohio started the third quarter strong, taking back the lead from Kent State with two layups, one from Elli Garnett and the other from Bella Ranallo. Both teams traded off points until it was tied at 43. The Bobcats eventually built their lead up to three, as Gigi Bowers made a three-pointer to give Ohio 50 points to Kent State's 47.
This didn’t last long though, as Kent State was able to maintain its balance and take back the lead. Kent State’s Meghan Murray made a layup and a three-pointer to help Kent extend its lead further. Ohio still kept the score close and ended the third quarter down 59-57.
Both teams had very sloppy fourth quarters, but what ended up mattering is that Kent went into this quarter with the lead. Kent State continued to pound the boards, and the Bobcats had no answer. Ranallo split a pair of free throws to make it a one-point game, but Kent instantly answered with a three-pointer to up the lead to four points.
Both teams kept trading points, with Kent keeping the edge over the Bobcats every time. With around a minute remaining in the quarter, Kent State hit another three to make it a six-point game. Ohio attempted a rally and scored five points to Kent State’s two in the final minute, but a turnover doomed the Bobcats, and Kent State won with a score of 71-68.
This was Ohio’s first MAC loss of the season, but the team looks to bounce back this weekend in what has been a strong season. After a two-game road stint, the Bobcats will return to the Convo to play Northern Illinois in another MAC matchup.
