It isn't do-or-die time yet for Lauren Kohn and the Bobcats, but it's pretty close.
After losing two straight home games to Mid-American Conferencefoes, Ohio will start a daunting five-day, three-game road triptomorrow againstKent State.
This week is going to be very tough
Kohn said. To get threewins is very important especially for getting the bye for the MACTournament and our goal is obviously set on that.
The Bobcats have one sure way to accomplish their goal ofgetting a first round bye: win every one of their next three gamesagainst Kent State, Northern Illinois and Miami. A loss against any ofthese teams would almost assuredly leave the Bobcats in third place inthe MAC East.
Ohio is currently a half-game behind Miami, which has just onegame left against last-place Akron before meeting the Bobcats in MilletHall Wednesday. The top two teams in each division are awarded a bye.
Since the MAC Tournament was moved to Cleveland in 2000, theonly teams to have won it are those that have had a first round bye.
We just have to keep pushing on
coach Sylvia Crawley said. Ithink it will come down to us facing Miami in the end
and that's whatwe're hoping for.
The timing of the road trip isn't exactly ideal for the Bobcatseither. Point guard Quintana Ward is still nursing a sore ankle, andChandra Myers' hand and wrist are still wrapped. Reserve Jackie Hiebertwill not be available for tomorrow's game, but should be ready to gofor the team's last two games.
Every team faces adversity
Ward said. We have a couple ofnagging injuries
but I just think it's mental. G? If we just becomementally tough
I think we will be able to push our bodies to thelimit.
Despite all of the adversity facing the team, Kohn believes it may all just be a blessing in disguise.
I think it's going to be good for us
Kohn said. In the MAC Tournament
you're playing games one right after another. There isn't a lot of time to rest or time to prepare G? it kind of gets us ready for that week.
The one thing that the Bobcats have going for them is that theyhave done well on the road this season. Only one of their fiveconference losses has come on the road, and the other four road lossescame against teams with winning records early in the season.
So what makes Ohio so much better on the road?
It's the fact that we're more rested on the road
Crawleysaid. Our curfew is at 10
