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ATHENS, Ohio – Despite a second-half rally, the Ohio men's basketball team (1-4) fell to Bethune-Cookman (2-3), 76-73, Wednesday night (Nov. 19) inside the Convocation Center. 
 
"I think for us, we have to continue to stay together, we have to continue to work, most importantly, and understand the value of every possession," Ohio head coach Jeff Boals said. 
 
As a team, Ohio shot 43 percent from the field. The Bobcats were able to out-rebound their opponent 38-32 in what was their best rebounding night of the season. Ohio also tallied 10 assists in the contest. 
 
The Bobcats were led by senior guard Jackson Paveletzke (Kimberly, Wis.), who tied his career high with 28 points while also contributing a team-leading five assists. Senior forward Aidan Hadaway (Lafayette, Ga.) recorded the a double-double  with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while redshirt junior forward Javan Simmons (Columbus, Ohio) was Ohio's second-leading scorer with 20 points while also recording 10 rebounds for his first double double of the season. 
 
Paveletzke got the Bobcats started, scoring eight points in the game's first 10 minutes. Despite this, Ohio found itself trailing 21-12 midway through the first half. 
 
Hadaway ended a 9-0 run midway through the first half for Bethune-Cookman with an inside basket that started what would become an 8-0 run for the Bobcats. With just over five minutes to play in the first half, Ohio had trimmed the Bethune-Cookman lead to 24-20. 
 
Ohio made a few highlight plays in the final five minutes of the half, including an impressive dunk by redshirt freshman forward Kiir Kuany (Melbourne, Australia) and a commanding block by freshman guard JJ Kelly (Chambersburg, Pa.). 
 
Going into halftime, Ohio trailed Bethune-Cookman 37-29. 


 
The Bobcat offense came out hot in the second half, scoring on five of their first six drives out of the break. With 15 minutes to play in the game, Ohio had cut a halftime deficit to just four at 47-43. 
 
A three-point play converted by Paveletzke gave Ohio its first lead of the second half at 49-48 with 13:08 to play. Paveletzke continued down the stretch for the Bobcats as they traded baskets and the lead throughout the second half. 
 
With 4:05 to play, Simmons knocked down two free throws to tie the game at 69. The Bobcats had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer but just missed, allowing Bethune-Cookman to leave the Convo with a 76-73 win. 
 
The Bobcats will be back in action Monday, Nov. 25 when they travel to Daytona Beach, Fla., for their second game of the 2025 Sunshine Slam. Ohio will be taking on George Mason in that matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and can be seen on CBS Sports Network. 
 
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