Sports
Ohio Women’s Basketball Look To End Losing Drought Against Broncos
< < Back to ohio-womens-basketball-look-end-losing-drought-against-broncosIf the Bobcats have any game circled on the schedule to end their losing skid, Wednesday’s game in Kalamazoo, Mich., is the one. Ohio has won three of its last four matchups against Western Michigan, including its last visit to University Arena in 2012.
The Bobcats were able to defeat the Broncos, 70-53, in their last matchup just over a month ago. Ohio was able to reach the elusive 70-point mark, which has turned into quite the feat this season considering the ‘Cats are 6-0 when they reach 70 points or more. When Ohio fails to do so, it is just 2-15.
Offense has been head coach Bob Boldon’s focus all season and Wednesday’s clash will not change that.
Offense is only half of the game, however, and the Bobcats will have their hands full on defense stopping a Western Michigan offense that has plenty of firepower. Miracle Woods has been phenomenal in the last six games she has played. She is averaging 20.5 points and over eight rebounds in those contests. She has also posted monster double-doubles against Central Michigan and Bowling Green, the best two teams in the Mid-American Conference. Against the Chippewas she lit it up for 36 points and corralled 11 boards.
Most of Woods’ production comes from the free-throw line, which should frighten the ‘Cats, especially with their recent fouling troubles. Putting Woods on the line could be recipe for disaster and it is something that Ohio should look to avoid.
The good news for the Bobcats is that the Broncos are riding a losing streak of their own. Western Michigan’s losing streak was extended to three games after a 57-48 loss to Kent State.
Ohio has to come out of the gate hot and has to find offensive production quickly. If it can do that and keep Woods off of the charity stripe, this losing streak can be put in the ‘Cats rear-view mirror.
With tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the Ohio is desperately looking for a victory as it tries to avoid a stretch like last season’s when it lost 16 of its final 17 games.