Ohio found its outside presence, thanks to Tommy Freeman.
The junior guard scored a career-high 27 points in Ohio's 99-77 win over Buffalo Saturday afternoon.
I just really focused on running the floor in transition and finding some open spots when (the Bulls) went to their 1-3-1 (zone) and some of their other defenses
he said. I knew if I focused on those two things that the guards would do a good job of finding me.
The guards found him over and over again, especially in the first half.
Freeman went 4-4 shooting from beyond the arc in the first half, including sparking a 9-0 run toward the end of the half. He finished 5-of-8 on 3-pointers.
In the waning moments, Freeman hit two 3-pointers on two consecutive possessions on the fast break, igniting a 9-0 run that was finished by an Ivo Baltic buzzer beater. The Bobcats went into halftime with a 16-point lead.
Freeman also created a stir for the Bulls on the defensive end.
He caused at least three of Buffalo's charges in the game, and another over the back call in the second half.
One of my roles on this team is to bring a defensive toughness to our team Freeman said. The way the coaches have emphasized (taking charges) and then the guys see me stepping in there a few times every game it really motivated us to become a better defensive team.
Easy Points
Not only did the Bobcats (10-9, 1-4 Mid-American Conference) shoot 50 percent from beyond the arc, but they also scored inside the paint and on fast break.
Ohio outscored the Bulls (10-6, 3-2 MAC) 42-14 in the key. Kenneth van Kempen, Reggie Keely and Baltic led the Bobcats' inside advantage by scoring 10, 10 and 9, respectively.
Ohio's dominance was made more impressive considering the absence of forward DeVaughn Washington. He has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules before the game, according to a statement release by Jason Corriher, assistant athletic director for Media Relations. Washington was also suspended in the preseason for a violation of team rules.
Keely had practiced really well the last couple of days
and (van Kempen) had as well
coach John Groce said. Both of those guys had some really good finishes down low in terms of post moves.
The Bobcats also dominated the fast break points, blazing to a 22-4 advantage.
D.J. Cooper and Armon Bassett made this advantage possible by getting the outlet passes and finding the open man down the floor. It is the main reason both players combined for 15 of Ohio's 22 assists.
We were able to get up and down a little bit
Groce said. When you have a point like (Cooper)
he kind of ignites our transition game. These guys have figured out now through 70-something practices and 19 games that if you run
he'll reward you.
Confidence Builder
Ohio finally recorded its first win in the MAC.
The four-game skid in conference lingered over the team, as the Bobcats lost three games by single digits.
After falling short in those games, getting over the hump was important for the team, van Kempen said.
You can feel the team the last couple of days really came together
he said. We knew
we need to get it done (Saturday).
Hopefully, everybody now knows that we have to bring energy every day like we did today.
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30319,2010-01-25 02:03:00,Student reports rape yesterday in Convo,An Ohio University student reported she was raped early yesterday morning
according to a police report.,An Ohio University student reported she was raped early yesterday morning
