Jan. 31, 2009

Final Stats

MUNCIE, Ind. - Senior forward Justin Orr led the Bobcats with a game-high 14 points and Jerome Tillman continued his double-figure scoring streak, but Ohio dropped a low-scoring affair to Ball State, 51-44, at Worthen Arena. The Bobcats are now 10-10 on the season and 3-4 in the Mid-American Conference.

"We really competed hard defensively today, and I think it was the best we've played zone all year," said Ohio head coach John Groce, who wore tennis shoes today, along with his staff, in support of Coaches vs. Cancer.

"Offensively, we took poor shots in the first half but adjusted well at halftime and got terrific shots in the second half," Groce continued. "I think that was the best we've played late in a game all year, but we didn't make enough shots."

Orr (Cincinnati, Ohio) finished 6-of-10 from the field and added seven rebounds and three assists, while Tillman (Beavercreek, Ohio) tallied 10 points and nine boards and has scored in double-digits in 25-straight games dating back to March 1, 2008. Sophomore forward DeVaughn Washington (Virginia Beach, Va.) also chipped in 10 for Ohio after scoring a career-high 25 the last time out against Central Michigan.

"DeVaughn has been playing really well," added Coach Groce. "He's benefited from the added defense on Tillman, but he's stepped up and taken advantage of that. We would have liked to have him out there longer today."

Overall, the Bobcats shot 33 percent from the field on 18-of-54 field goals, while Ball State (10-9, 5-2 MAC) connected on 37.5 percent of its attempts. The Cardinals out-rebounded Ohio by a slim margin of 37-34. Defensively, Ohio forced 15 turnovers and only committed 11, three below its season-average of 14 per game.

Ohio will return to The Convo on Thursday, Feb. 5 when it hosts Northern Illinois in a 7 p.m. ET contest.