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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – An offensive shootout between Ohio and Minnesota went down to the wire Wednesday night (Dec. 15). The Golden Gophers (7-6, 0-2) edged out the Bobcats (4-3) by a score of 99-93. All five Bobcat starters scored in double figures, with Erica Johnson leading the way with 21 total points. Cece Hooks followed closely with 20, Gabby Burris and Kaylee Bambule contributed 18, and Madi Mace added 16 to round out the Bobcats scoring. 
 
"I thought offensively, our kids were spectacular," head coach Bob Boldon said after the game. "Really did a nice job moving the basketball. The last five games our assists have been way up and our turnovers have been down. We've been taking good shots and we've been making good shots because the ball has been moving."
 
A fast paced first quarter saw the two teams exchange the lead five different times, as both squads found success from beyond the arc. Ohio's first four baskets of the contest came from deep, and the Bobcats finished the frame having shot 55.6% from three (5 for 9). The Golden Gophers also found success from long range, shooting 71.4% (5 for 7) to help Minnesota take a 25-21 lead after the first 10 minutes of play.
 
Minnesota extended their lead in the second quarter behind another strong shooting performance, going 13 for 15 overall from the field (86.7%). Ohio used a strong showing by Johnson to keep the Bobcats within striking distance, as the redshirt-junior scored 13 points in the quarter, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. The two teams went into the locker room for halftime with the Golden Gophers holding a 57-45 advantage. 
 
The third quarter continued to be an offensive showcase by both teams, as Ohio outscored Minnesota 24-22. Hooks led the way for the Bobcats with seven points, as Burris (6), Bambule (6), Mace (4) and Johnson (1) also contributed to the effort. Ohio shot 56.3% from the field (9 for 16) and went into the final quarter trailing 79-69.
 
The Bobcats continued their comeback in the 4th quarter as Ohio utilized their balanced offensive effort, cutting the deficit to as little as 2 points at 91-89 with 1:18 remaining. Ultimately, a strong defensive effort by Minnesota to close out the game prevented Ohio from taking a lead, as the Golden Gophers took the 99-93 victory.
 
Up Next:
 
Ohio will stay on the road for their next two games, as they travel to participate in the FIU Holiday Hoops Showdown. Their opponents will be UMass Lowell (Dec. 20) and Binghamton (Dec. 21). Game times are yet to be announced. 

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