After three consecutive losses to its most-hated Mid-American Conference rival, Ohio finally looked like it might defeat arch-rival Miami. But after leading for much of the game, Ohio was unable to contain the RedHawks in the fourth quarter, falling 67-61 on Wednesday night in The Convo.
Here are five instant reactions from Ohio’s second loss of the season:
Erica Johnson: Possible MAC superstar?
The redshirt freshman point guard has found her footing in MAC play. Johnson entered the game coming off a week where she averaged a double-double. She averaged 24.5 points and 10.5 rebounds over two games, which earned her MAC East Player of the Week. On Wednesday she led the Bobcats with 16 points.
They’re free
Ohio’s free throw woes almost costed them a win at Bowling Green on Saturday, and again the Bobcats’ inability to make the freebies count haunted them Wednesday. The Bobcats finished 6-of-15 from the line.
Can’t contain her for long
Entering the game Ohio knew that Miami point guard Lauren Dickerson could give them problems. In the first half, Ohio did a good job of containing her and forcing her into bad looks. At halftime she had 7 points, shooting 3-of-7 from the field and 1-of 4 from 3-point range.
In the second half, however, Dickerson caused the problems that the Bobcats had anticipated. She scored 14 points in the third quarter and finished with 28 points. Her ability to drive and dish and pull up behind the arc made it nearly impossible for Ohio to guard her.
Way to compete
All night Miami found ways to pit its size against Ohio’s. Often in the paint 6-foot-2 Savannah Kluesner (21 points) had a chance to back down 5-foot-8 guard Cece Hooks (15 points). Hooks and other Bobcats often found themselves in unfavorable mismatches.
Back to the drawing board
Miami showed the Bobcats that it still has their number. Ohio’s loss hurts it in the hunt for a MAC title, the Bobcats return back to The Convo on Saturday to face Ball State.
