Nov. 19, 2005
Final Stats
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. - Four of the five starters reached double figures, and the Bobcats shot 49 percent from the floor, as the Ohio women's basketball team defeated Tennessee State 74-69 Saturday for its first win of the season at the Fifth-Third MU Classic.
The Bobcats (1-1) were once again led by true freshman Rachel Frederick (Gibsonia, Pa.), who followed up a 22-point, nine-rebound performance on Friday with an 18-point, eight-rebound showing on Saturday in the win. She was Ohio's representative in the Fifth-Third Classic's All-Tournament Team.
Ohio took a seven-point lead into the break and held on to move to .500 on the young season. The Bobcats jumped out to the lead via a 15-for-26 performance from the floor in the first half, including an 8-for-9 mark from the charity stripe. Frederick led the way with 18 points, but three other starters--KeyAuna Jenkins (Cleveland, Ohio) (12), Quintana Ward (Park Forest, Ill.) (12) and Simone Redd (Warrensville, Heights) (14)--all reached double figures. The lone starter that fell short, senior Ciara Iglehart (Mission Viejo, Calif.), scored eight points with five boards and four steals.
Jenkins, inserted into the starting lineup for the first time in her career, carried the Cats in the first frame. Jenkins shot 5-for-7 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line to post 12 points. Redd, the reigning Mid-American Conference Sixth Man of the Year, had four assists by the break, helping Ohio to a 39-32 edge.
Out of the locker room, Frederick came to life, just like she did less than 24 hours earlier. Frederick hit for 11 points and nabbed five rebounds with three steals in the frame. The Bobcats led by as many as 17 with 9:15 remaining in the contest, but a Tennessee State rally threatened the lead. The Bobcats were able to keep their composure, though, and hold on.Ohio hit 13 of its 19 second-half free-throw tries to hold onto its lead and capture the first win of the 2005-06 campaign.
The Bobcats forced 22 Tiger turnovers and scored 15 points off Tennessee State miscues. The Bobcats were outrebounded 40-27, but were superior on the defensive end, making three blocks and 14 steals.
Ohio will now prep for its home opener Tuesday night. The Bobcats will play host to Youngstown State at 7 p.m. in the Convocation Center.
