By Vince Nairn
Second half: Ohio 70, Bowling Green 60
It was shaky, but the Bobcats did what they had to for the win. They rebounded the ball exceptionally, and had about as many offensive rebounds as the Falcons did defensive. Usually it’s the other way around for Ohio. The Bobcats also held BG to sub-35 percent shooting in the second half. Bobcats with an above .500 MAC record for first time in 2 seasons.
1:10 Bobcats look like they’ll pull this one off. It was closer then it should have been, but at this time of the year, a win is a win.
3:49 The benefits of Cooper playing well are obvious by the past four minutes. His presence helps Ohio in so many ways: driving into the lane, good passing, the ability to break the press. Bobcats looking good again with a 58-52 lead, and Cooper’s min-spurt has been huge.
7:48 Falcons have used a three-quarters court press that has worked pretty well. Bobcats look out of rhythm on offense and are being pressured. Bobcats, however, have limited second-half turnovers, as they only have three after eight in the opening 20 minutes
9:28 I think you could use the term “extreme balance” to describe Ohio on offense tonight. Seven players have scored, and they all have at least four points. Nobody has more than nine, nor has anyone taken more than eight shots. Bobcats only at 36 percent shooting, though
13:59 Ohio has been victimized by some mysterious performances this year. In a loss to Central Michigan, three role players who averaged a combined 11 points went for 36. Tonight, little-used Craig Sealey, averaging seven minutes per game, is 7-of-7 for 14 points. He had only 34 on the season coming into tonight. Wow.
17:07 This is the first time I’ve seen Ohio in person since Cooper’s injury. He hasn’t looked normal, and Groce admitted to me Saturday that he still isn’t 100 percent. Ohio does have many options on offense, but I doubt the Bobcats could fare well if Cooper doesn’t get back to 100 percent soon.
17:49 Cooper needs to get healthy. Without him, Ohio has no guard that can get into the paint. That movement and penetration is so ital to the offense. Bobcats just kind of passing the ball around without him. They already have 11 turnovers
First Half: Bowling Green 32, Ohio 30
Bobcats dominated most of the half and have nothing to show for it. They killed BG on the glass, hit four 3-pointers and had a 7-1 free throw advantage. But a quick 15-2 run and the Falcons hold the lead. Coach John Groce can’t be happy…I wonder how many times I’ve said that exact phrase this season. Alas, sedonc half is coming
1:01 Well, that was quick. Bowling Green came out of nowhere to make this game close. That;s Ohio’s problem: it can’t sustain good basketball for long periods of time. That’s been an issue all year and has stopped Ohio from being an elite MAC team.
3:24 I love Ohio’s activity near the rim. The Bobcats have 12 offensive rebounds, are out-rebounding BG 22-9 and just seem to want it more. They’re trying to tip back every missed shot on offense. Overall, fantastic performance so far by a below-average rebounding team.
6:47 Bobcats look like a much more complete team than last time I saw them. Granted, Bowling Green is in a big-time slump, but Ohio’s offensive efficiency is staggering. This is the best I’ve seen them play all year
8:19 Bobcats have so many options on offense, it’s ridiculous. Baltic, Washington, Freeman. D.J. Cooper is having to do less and less, which is great considering he still isn’t 100 percent after injuring his ankle a few weeks ago.
12:06 I don’t get why the O-Zone didn’t have a “Tom-my Free-man” chant ready for when he set the record. It’s not as if this record was unexpected.
16:33 Bobcats have a ton of energy on defense. The crowd is energized for Freeman and the team is reacting to the crowd.
17:43 That didn’t take long. Congratulations to Tommy Freeman, Ohio’s new career leader on 3-pointers made. It happened on Ohio’s second possession, and like so many of his career makes, hit nothing but net. Freeman is a class act and deserving of any and all accolades.
