Jan. 25, 2012
Box Score
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. â€" Ohio Women’s Basketball wasn’t able to get by a solid Central Michigan squad on Wednesday night, falling by a final score of 67-53. Two Bobcats scored in double figures but a solid shooting performance by the Chippewas proved too much to overcome.
Shavon Robinson led the way for the Bobcats, scoring 14 points on 4-of-14 shooting. She was joined in double figures by Tenishia Benson, who scored 12 points and missed a double-double by just one rebound.
Central Michigan (12-9, 4-3 Mid-American Conference) connected on 28 of its 64 field goals, shooting 43.8 percent. The Bobcats shot 29.3 percent, hitting 17 of their 58 tries. The Chippewas held a significant edge in points in the paint, outscoring Ohio 40-20 in the category.
The Bobcats attacked the offensive glass well during the game, collecting 15 offensive rebounds and scoring 14 second-chance points.
Ohio (9-12, 2-5 MAC) leapt out to an early 4-2 lead courtesy of buckets by Alesia Howard (Columbus, Ohio) and Robinson (Canton, Ohio). The Chippewas were able to answer quickly, scoring the next 15 points to claim an early 17-4 advantage. Integral in this early run was the performance of Taylor Johnson, who scored seven of the team’s 13 points.
The Bobcats were able to close the gap over the next few minutes, thanks in part to strong post play from Tina Fisher and accurate long-range shooting from freshman Mariah Byard (Mannington, W.Va.). With just over 90 seconds remaining in the first half, Ashley Fowler (Cincinnati, Ohio) got in on the action by draining a three pointer from the top of the key.
Through the first 20 minutes of play, Central Michigan held a 30-21 advantage. Johnson led the way for the hosts, scoring nine points. Jessica Green and Jas’mine Bracey were not far behind, each contributing six. Howard led Ohio’s offensive charge, scoring five points while Robinson and Fisher each added four. The ‘Cats shot 7-of-28 (25 percent) from the field in the first half while Central Michigan was operating at a 14-of-34 (41.2%) clip. Ohio out-rebounded the Chippewas, 22-20, in the first frame.
Tenishia Benson got Ohio off to a fast start at the beginning of the second frame, draining a mid-range jumper just 37 seconds in. Her four early second-half points were matches by four from Green, who helped the Chippewas nose a bit further ahead, taking a 42-29 advantage with 13:55 to play in the game.
With the Chippewas pulling away, Erin Bailes (Huntington, W.Va.) stepped up for the Green and White. The sophomore guard scored a quick layup and then connected on a three-point basket, pulling the ‘Cats within 14 (54-40) at the 6:31 mark.
From this point on, the teams traded baskets before arriving at the final score line. Ohio was able to pull within 12 when Benson connected on two consecutive free throws, but the Bobcats would get no closer in the end.
The Bobcats will next be in action on Saturday, Jan. 28 when they play at Western Michigan. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
