Feb. 4, 2009
Final Stats
YPSILANTI, Mich. - Senior forward Lauren Hmiel (York, Pa.) scored a game-high 16 points to lead the Ohio women's basketball team past Mid-American Conference foe Eastern Michigan Wednesday night on the road, 52-41. The Eagles (4-16, 0-8 MAC) have now lost nine-straight contests, while the Bobcats move to 8-12 on the year and improve to 4-4 in the league.
"It was good to come in here and get a win," said first-year head coach Semeka Randall. "It wasn't always the prettiest of games, but we'll take it."
Ohio's defense shined in this game, as it only allowed 41 points, the second-fewest all season. The Bobcats held EMU to a dismal 25.9 percent from the floor, the lowest shooting percentage by an Ohio opponent this year. The Eagles made only 14 field goals, which is the second-fewest total against the Bobcats this season.
The Bobcats rejected seven shots, tying a season-high, including three by junior guard Jennifer Bushby (Gahanna, Ohio), her career high. Sophomore forward Kamille Buckner (Chicago, Ill.) tallied two blocks, giving her 70 for her career and 40 this season. She now stands in second place on Ohio's career blocked shots list and her 40 this season rank fourth in school history.
On the offensive side of the ball, junior guard Jenny Poff (St. John's, Mich.) dished out six assists, all in the first half, and nailed two three-pointers to give her 102 three-point field goals made in her career, moving her into a tie for fifth place in school history.
Bushby, Buckner and Poff each added eight points, as did freshman guard Da'Keisha Mann (Columbus, Ohio), who had a career-best three steals and tied her career high with five boards. Bushby also chipped in a game-best seven boards and six dimes.
"I was really pleased with the play of our bench tonight," continued Randall. "They gave us a big lift during a key stretch in the game. Da'Keisha Mann really came in and made big plays when we needed them."
Ohio held a 30-25 edge at halftime, shooting a solid 52 percent from the floor, while the Eagle shot just 34 percent in the opening period. For the game, the Bobcats were 20-of-50 from the field for 40 percent, and they out-rebounded the Eagles 39-38.
Ohio returns to the court Sunday, Feb. 8 at Toledo. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. ET.
