Nov. 6, 2010
Box Score
ATHENS, Ohio- In its final preseason exhibition, Ohio defeated Walsh University by a final score of 78-64. The Bobcats were led by D.J. Cooper’s 25 points and Ivo Baltic’s eight rebounds. The visiting Cavaliers were led in scoring by Ron Kinney, who contributed 17 points. Ohio’s defense turned in a strong performance on Saturday, forcing 17 turnovers.
The game began with both defenses playing well, as the teams were tied 8-8 with 12:35 remaining in the first half. At this point, freshman T.J. Hall (Gainesville, Fla.) stepped up and hit a big three from the corner while getting fouled. The ensuing free throw finalized the four-point play and put the ‘Cats ahead 12-8.
Walsh battled back through the middle stages of the first half, earning a 15-14 lead with 9:20 remaining. Ohio then proceeded to go on an 8-0 run to reclaim the lead. The Bobcats spread the ball well during this run, as three separate players hit field goals. Reggie Keely (University Heights, Ohio) hit a jumper in the lane; Nick Kellogg (Westerville, Ohio) drained a fast-break three-pointer from the corner and Baltic (Kansas City, Mo.) scored a fast-break layup.
The Green and White rode this momentum through the end of the first half, taking a 43-30 lead into the break. Through 20 minutes of play, Cooper (Chicago, Ill.) led the Bobcats in scoring with 13 points. Baltic and Asown Sayles (Mckeesport, Pa.) each pulled down four rebounds, with two of Baltic’s coming on the offensive end.
The Cavaliers came out strong in the second half, opening the frame with a 10-3 run to pull within six points at the 15:37 mark. Keely was able to snap this streak, posting up strong for a layup on one of Ohio’s ensuing possessions.
Keeping up its strong play in the second half, Walsh cut the deficit to four with 12 minutes remaining in the contest. Kellogg came up big on the next Bobcat possession, driving hard down the lane to score a layup through contact. He later finished the three-point play, sinking a free throw to put the ‘Cats ahead by seven.
The Bobcats took control of the contest a few moments later, winning by a final score of 78-64.
Ohio will open the regular season when it hosts Delaware on November 13. Game time is set for 2 pm in The Convo.
