Sports
Women’s Basketball: ‘Cats Fall Behind Early, Lose At Home
By: Kyrstin Ratliff
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The Ohio women’s basketball team lost a hard-fought battle, 63-53, at home against Eastern Michigan on Wednesday. In the words of head coach Semeka Randall, “We fought hard, but not hard enough.”
The Eagles (15-7, 7-2 MAC) led for all 40 minutes of the game, winning the tip-off, drawing first blood, and never allowing a lead change or tie throughout the game. On two occasions in the first half, the Bobcats (10-13, 3-6 MAC) cut the lead to one and with 7:17 left in the game, the Bobcats came within three. However, they were never able to seize the opportunity to pull ahead. Randall said that her team was not able to capitalize on the little opportunities that presented themselves during the game.
“We can’t be satisfied with almost getting there,” she said.
The first half proved to be a battle of the shot clock for the Bobcats. Eastern Michigan’s zone defense caused the Bobcats to take forced outside shots. The Bobcats were able to penetrate and take more calculated shots during the second half but the seven point deficit at the half was too much to overcome.
Porsha Harris missed her second consecutive game due to a suspension she incurred during Ohio’s loss at Central Michigan. Her absence was a factor in the Bobcats' struggle on the glass against the Eagles. The Bobcats had only 23 total rebounds and the Eagles scored 14 second chance points.
“It’s hard to rebound in the zone,” senior Tenishia Benson said. “I wouldn’t say we did good. That was the part that hurt us.”
Shavon Robinson scored 14 points for the Bobcats, pushing her past the milestone of 500 career points. Benson and Mariah Byard also contributed double digits, scoring 15 and 11 points respectively. Tavelyn James led the Eagles with 29 points.
The Bobcats have dealt with injury and suspensions this year, causing instability on the court but they remain resilient and in high spirits.
“I like where we are but I want to win a god damn game,” Randall said.
Ohio travels to Northern Illinois (9-12, 3-6 MAC) on Saturday in an attempt to secure that win.
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