Forward Leon Williams recorded two straight double-doubles this week against Eastern Michigan and Marshall. Williams now has seven double-doubles for the season, placing him fourth among the nation's freshmen.
(I) continue to learn and take it day by day and just get better
Williams said. I don't think there's much pressure. (I) just go out there and play and come out with a victory.
The two double-doubles also helped Williams earn his first Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week, placing him with Eastern Michigan's Darryl Garrett (West Division) as the only other freshman to win the award this season.
Williams' accolade also marks the third time in the past five weeks that a Bobcat has won the award, as guards Mychal Green and Sonny Troutman also notched POW awards recently.
William is averaging 15 points and 11.5 rebounds over the past two games. He also recorded a career-high five steals at Marshall Saturday.
Climbing up Ohio's all-time freshman double-doubles chart, Williams has already passed former Ohio standout Brandon Hunter. Hunter finished his freshman season (1999-2000) with four double-doubles, while Gary Trent recorded 18 during his first year (1992-93).
Stealing duo
Guards Jeremy Fears and Troutman are battling for Ohio's steals leader this season. Fears recorded two steals this week against Eastern, the last ending in a break-away dunk.
He's a playmaker Ohio coach Tim O'Shea said. He's just so athletic...He's playing better and better.
With Fears' two steals this week, he tied Troutman's freshman steals record of 47 set last year.
I'm just trying to play with as much confidence as possible Fears said. (I) just try to be a leader out there and try to do anything I can
which is my job as a point guard -to give my team a victory.
Troutman also recorded two steals this week, giving him 54 for the year. Troutman needs 10 more this season to tie Ohio's steals record for a single season held by Nate Craig (1990-91).
Shining success
Guard Diamond Gladney has scored in three straight games, including seven points at Marshall and five against Eastern. Gladney ripped off five points in his four minutes of first-half action against Eastern. Gladney's burst included a 3-pointer, his first since Ohio's victory against Navy Dec. 4, 2004.
O'Shea spoke about Gladney's scoring success, which has translated into a 10-1 Ohio record this season when Gladney scores.
(He) played really well
and I apologized to him in the locker room
O'Shea said. I really felt like I should have got him some more minutes in the second half...Diamond did a great job for us.
Top play
Ohio reserves Whitney Davis and James Bridgewater, former high school teammates, received some national exposure Saturday for their alley-oop connection.
With a 22-point lead and 21 seconds remaining in the game, Davis made a no-look alley-oop pass under the basket to Bridgewater. Bridgewater grabbed the pass in mid-air, throwing down the jam and posterizing all Marshall opposition.
The alley-oop made it all the way to ESPN's SportsCenter Top Plays. The play was recognized as the seventh-best top play of the day.
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Nick Brockman
