Ohio's chances at a bye all come down to one game.
And, of course, that one game is with rival Miami, making what would have been an intense game even more intense.
The atmosphere is very intense there
guard Lauren Kohn said. (This game) is very important.
Coach Sylvia Crawley is expecting a lot from her team and this game tonight.
I accept it to be all-out war for 40 minutes Crawley said. We're both fighting for that second seed to get a bye in the tournament. Both teams know how valuable a bye is.
Right now, Ohio sits at third place with a 17-11 overall, 10-5 Mid-American Conference record. Miami is second with a 19-11 overall, 11-4 MAC record.
An Ohio win would give the two teams the same conference record, but the Bobcats would have the head-to-head tiebreaker. An Ohio loss would put the Bobcats at third, and they would play in the first round Sunday.
The last time the RedHawks and Bobcats faced off was Jan. 19 in The Convo. Ohio won handily, beating Miami 74-55.
The Bobcats are in the midst of a five-day, three-game road stretch. The road has not been a problem for the team this season, however, as a win at Northern Illinois on Monday stretched their winning streak to six games. The only conference road game they have lost this season was their opener at MAC East power, Bowling Green.
We've known that we have to come out strong for these road games junior Lauren Hmiel said. I think we're going to be ready. I don't think being on the road makes us tired. I think that's an excuse for teams.
Crawley said the team is easier to manage when on the road. She said they eat better, sleep more and their minds are focused on basketball instead of everything that can go on in Athens.
We've played some of our best basketball on the road
Kohn said.
Crawley said the athletes are on a mission to win the MAC Tournament, and having rest before the first game helps their chances.
I see a very determined look in their eyes
Crawley said. These kids are willing to do whatever it takes right now.
It's going to be a hard-fought game
Hmiel said, but we'll be ready.
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Michelle Munoz
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