For a team that has struggled with turning the ball over, it was the wrong time to be charitable.
Clinging - or more appropriately, grasping desperately - to a five-point lead with 90 seconds to play, the Bobcats had their biggest bugaboo rear its ugly head yet again.
Through 38 minutes of basketball last night, the Bobcats had the Mid-American Conference's second-best offense held under 50 points, but coach Semeka Randall knew her old counterpart's team would make its run.
Guard Tavelyn James hit a 3-pointer and pulled the Eagles even at 53-53 with less than a minute to play. Tina Fisher, one of a number of freshman pressed into significant minutes for Ohio, made an ill-advised pass that rolled all the way into the Bobcats' defensive zone.
Cassie Schrock then found Sydney Huntley open on the near wing, and she cashed in. Eastern had its first lead since the early moments of the first half with 7.8 seconds remaining.
(The defense) was rotating fine
Randall said of the final shot. We always talk about leaving the farthest person away from the ball and we didn't get out there in time.
On the next trip down the floor, Jenny Poff lost control of an in-bounds pass and the Eagles were able to salt away the remaining seven seconds.
The end result was a 56-53 win for the Eagles (15-4, 5-2 MAC) in The Convo, and on the other side, the sixth loss in seven games for the Bobcats.
We started trading baskets with them Randall said. That gave them the opportunity to warm up.
We have to start making those big-time plays. (Eastern) is going to make runs, they have athletic, quick guards. They just made some big-time shots.
Though she had struggled of late
it was Poff keeping the Bobcats above water and nearly got them to shore. She was 4-of-5 (3-point) in the first half
and finished with a game-high 19 points.
With Da'Keisha Mann suspended indefinitely (violation of team rules) and Thia Gholson on the bench with an injury sustained in the first half
the floor was dominated by Randall's reserves.
Ohio rotated 10 players and got contributions from Fisher
Symone Lyles
Danielle Woodmore and Maxine Ohakim off the pine.
The Bobcats have lost consecutive games to the MAC's pair of offensive juggernauts
but each has been a different battle
Poff said. Ohio allowed just 17 points at the half last night.
Now that we're back to where we can be, we have to start getting things done in the clutch, Poff said.
They moved the ball (in the final minute) and got a couple wide-open shots and converted.
,",2,Sports,Rob Mixer,30374a.jpg,Ohio guard Jenny Poff loses the ball after Eastern Michigan defenders blocked her in The Convo yesterday. Ohio lost to Eastern Michigan 56-53. (Alex Goodlett | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER),",",",",quick stats
