Dec. 17, 2008

Final Stats

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Sophomore forward DeVaughn Washington scored a career-high 18 points and was one of four Bobcats in double figures, but the Ohio University men's basketball team dropped a 73-68 decision to the Marshall Thundering Herd (5-4) Wednesday night at the Cam Henderson Center.

The Bobcats (4-6) shot a season-best 62.2 percent (28-of-45), thanks in part to Washington's 8-of-13 night from the floor, both career highs. The four double-digit scorers marked the first time Ohio achieved the feat since Dec. 3 against Tulsa and was just the second time this season.

"I was really proud of the way our guys competed," said Ohio head coach John Groce. "I feel like we got better and improved today. I thought we played with a purpose, communicated well and guys stepped up and made plays."

Washington (Virginia Beach, Va.) scored in double figures for the second-straight game and had a game-high point total for the first time in his career. Coming off his first-career double-double, the sophomore grabbed four rebounds and had two steals, which tied a career best.

"I think (Washington's) worked very hard," Groce said. "He's starting to develop as consistent a work ethic as he's ever had and it's starting to pay off for him."

Senior forward Jerome Tillman (Beavercreek, Ohio) added 14 points for the 'Cats on 7-of-9 shooting for his 15th-straight double-digit game, including all 10 games this season. With the 14 points, Tillman moved into 19th on Ohio's all-time scoring list with 1,254 points. He also snatched a team-high-tying four boards and stole the ball twice.

Freshman guard Steven Coleman (Melbourne, Fla.) and senior forward Justin Orr (Cincinnati, Ohio) were the Bobcats' other double-figure scorers, with 13 and 11, respectively. Coleman also tied for the team lead with four rebounds, had two thefts and knocked down two 3-pointers, while Orr also nailed two triples and dished out a career-best five assists.

Senior guard Michael Allen (Detroit, Mich.) handed out a team-high eight assists, one shy of his career best, while contributing three points. Sophomore guard Tommy Freeman (Muncie, Ind.) chipped in five points off the bench, hitting a 3-pointer, his only field goal attempt of the game, and both of his free throws. Junior center Kenneth van Kempen (Weert, The Netherlands) also boosted the Bobcats off the pine, tallying four points and three assists.

Ohio trailed at the half, 37-26, as both teams shot well in the first 20 minutes, with the 'Cats hitting a first-half season-high 55 percent of their shots, but attempted a season-low 20 shots, turning the ball over seven times. Marshall shot 57.7 percent however, and held the 11-point edge.

Trailing 58-45 with less than 10 minutes to play, Ohio's largest deficit of the game, a layup from Tillman and a triple from Orr jump-started the Bobcat comeback. Ohio outscored Marshall 21-8 over the next 8:30 and knotted the game at 66 on a dunk from Washington with 1:28 to play.

The Herd hit a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession however, and reclaimed the lead for good. The Bobcats had a chance to tie, trailing 71-68 in the final seconds, but a turnover cost the 'Cats a chance to force overtime.

Ohio shot a sizzling 68 percent (17-of-25) in the second half, a single-half season best for the Bobcats, but Marshall hit 63.2 percent in the second stanza to match Ohio. The Thundering Herd finished the game shooting 60.0 percent, including 52.9 percent from behind the arc, while the Bobcats made 46.2 percent from the same spot. Damier Pitts led the Herd with 13 points and 10 assists. Ohio totaled 20 assists for the game, setting a season high.

"(The comeback) was huge, especially against a really talented team in a tough environment," Groce said. "We've got to continue to get better defensively, but a couple of our turnovers in the second half were influential in the final outcome and it led to some easy baskets for Marshall."

The 'Cats moved to 1-1 against teams from Conference USA, as Ohio defeated Tulsa, 75-63, earlier this season.

With their six-game road trip behind them, the Bobcats return to The Convo Monday, Dec. 22 to begin a four-game home stand, as they'll host Holy Cross in a 7 p.m. ET match-up.