Nov. 15, 2009
Final Stats | Quotes
ATHENS, Ohio - It was all Ohio right from the start on Sunday, as the Bobcats (2-0, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) jumped out to an early 11-0 lead from which they never looked back. Sunday's win marks the 28th consecutive non-conference home victory for the `Cats, a streak that dates back to November 29, 2004. The Green and White have defended the Convocation Center quite well since that day, posting a 62-8 home record.
Ohio's defense jumped out to a strong start, forcing the visiting Blue Raiders (1-1, 0-0 Sun Belt) to turn it over six times before they were able to score a basket. DeVaughn Washington (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Steven Coleman (Melbourne, Fla.) started quickly out of the gate for the `Cats, scoring nine of the team's first 11 points. Not only did Coleman start quickly offensively, but he also accounted for two steals in the first few moments of the contest.
"The main thing we focused on tonight was competing and communicating defensively," said head coach John Groce.
The Bobcats stretched the lead even further when they took a 36-21 advantage with under four minutes remaining in the first half, which would prove to be the largest lead of the opening 20. Ohio crashed the offensive boards successfully on a number of quality hustle plays from Ivo Baltic (Kansas City, Mo.) and D.J. Cooper (Chicago, Ill.). The offensive persistence by the Green and White put them in the double-bonus with over six minutes remaining in the first half.
In a first half that was characterized by half-court offensive sets and a plethora of free-throw opportunities, the `Cats were paced by 14 made free throws, Washington's ten points and Baltic's six rebounds. With the Blue Raiders storming back over the final few minutes of the half, Ohio took a four point lead into the locker room with the halftime score reading 38-34. Cooper picked right up from Friday's near triple-double, leading the team with four assists while committing only one turnover in the first half.
Coleman began the second half with two beautiful drives through the lane which culminated in lay-ins. One of which he managed to make while being fouled, and he was able to convert the three-point play. Washington added two of his own with a fifteen foot jumper seconds later and just like that, the Green and White had scored the first seven points of the second half, prompting Middle Tennessee to call a timeout in an attempt to break up the momentum.
"I thought our energy level, especially to start both halves, was off the charts," said Groce. "Guys really competed and I felt like we took a step in the right direction in terms of playing together as a team at both ends of the floor."
Five minutes into the second half, the Bobcat defense finally yielded Middle Tennessee's first points as James Washington broke up Ohio's 13-0 run with two free throws. Washington then scored five more points in a row, leading to a Bobcat timeout at 53-41.
Middle Tennessee threatened in the second half, coming within five points with less than three minutes remaining in the game. The Blue Raiders began utilizing a high-pressure full-court defense, forcing the `Cats to make careful decisions with the ball. Coleman tied a career-high in points (21) when he connected on two important free throws in the game's waning moments, giving Ohio some breathing room. Cooper then iced it away just moments later, connecting on a contested lay-in and converting the ensuing free throw to put Ohio up by ten. Tommy Freeman (Muncie, Ind.) further extended the lead with three late free throws, giving him 11 points in the contest.
The Blue Raiders were led in scoring by Montario Haddock's 25 points. He also led the team in rebounding, collecting seven boards.
Washington finished with 18 points and six rebounds for Ohio, while Cooper yet again was on the tip of a triple-double, as he scored 15 points, accumulated nine rebounds and had eight assists.
The Bobcats will look to continue their unbeaten run when they host North Carolina A&T on Tuesday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the Convo.
