The Bobcats (1-0) cruised to their first win of the season on Friday with a 101-72 victory over Ohio Valley (0-1).
Ohio was led by freshman Ivo Baltic, who came off the bench to score 20 points and grab eight rebounds in only 17 minutes of play.
He's relentless. He gets after the ball and his motor is always running
said coach John Groce. Tonight he made the most of his opportunities and finished very well for us.
The two teams traded baskets early before the Bobcats went on an 11-0 run midway through the first half.
Powered by four three-point baskets by guard Tommy Freeman, Ohio led Ohio Valley 43-33 at the half.
In the second half, Ohio Valley got into foul trouble early, committing 17 fouls in the final 20 minutes of play.
In all, three Ohio Valley players fouled out, and the Bobcats were sent to the free-throw line 33 times. However, Ohio was only able to capitalize on 16 of the 33 attempts.
I'm glad we got to the line 33 times Groce said. But we've got better shooters than what we've been shooting the past three games.
After allowing Ohio Valley to shoot 56.5 percent from the field in the first half, the Bobcats lowered that percentage to 41.2 percent after intermission.
I thought our effort and our concentration and determination to defend was much better in the second half Groce said.
Ohio out-scored Ohio Valley 58-39 in the second half, and exceeded the century mark for the first time since they scored 102 against Cornell in 2007.
Ohio out-rebounded the Fighting Scots 63-25, and totaled 34 offensive boards in the win.
All of our guys were all over the glass tonight
Groce said. The better you rebound the ball
the better it's going to be a lot of nights for you.
In a total team effort, Ohio had five guys score double-figures, and two others come close with eight points.
Much of the Bobcats' success can be attributed to freshman D.J. Cooper, who recorded his first collegiate double-double with 13 points and 12 assists.
I just slowed myself down a little bit
Cooper said. Coach has put a lot of trust in me.
Groce was also pleased with the play of sophomore DeVaughn Washington, who missed the first exhibition game due to a suspension for a violation of team rules.
I thought he played ridiculously hard the entire time he was out there
Groce said. He has really made a lot of strides in the last week to week-and-a-half.
Friday's was the final game of the three game suspension Ohio guards Steven Coleman and Jay Kinney have been serving for a violation of team rules.
Both guys have practiced pretty well
Groce said. We're excited to add them because of depth purposes.
After the game, coach Groce announced the departure of freshman Marquis Horne, who has decided to leave the team for personal reasons, Groce said.
Ohio plays its second game of the season later this weekend.
Overall
we're pleased with getting this first one and we're excited about the challenge we have on Sunday against Middle Tennessee State
Groce said.
