Sports
A Sloppy Win for Ohio over IPFW, 79-52.
< < Back toAt the start of this game it looked like absolutely nothing was going to slow down the Bobcats, and nothing did as the ‘Cats earned their first home win of the with a 79-52 win over IPFW.
The big key in this game for the Bobcats was their fast-paced transition offense, as they continually looked to push the ball up the court, never giving IPFW a chance to set up on defense. Thanks to the quick tempo, the Bobcats got to the rim easily and often. The Bobcats continually pounded the ball inside for easy layups. Even when they could not get to the rim, the ‘Cats were able to kick the ball out to open shooters on the perimeter.
From the start, Ohio simply outplayed and outran IPFW, scoring their first three baskets in transition and forcing a Mastodon timeout two minutes into the game. The Bobcats dominance continued throughout the first quarter as they held a 27-10 lead after 10 minutes. Kiyanna Black shot 4-4 from the field to lead all players with 10 points in the first quarter. Despite the hot start, there were still some mistakes early on from the Bobcats. They allowed IPFW to score 8 of their first 10 points in the final 2:30.
Those mistakes continued to hinder Ohio early in the second quarter, as the team turned the ball over four times in the first five minutes while allowing five offensive rebounds in the same amount of time. A 12-2 run from the Mastodons was the culmination of these mistakes, as IPFW pulled within seven at 22-29.As she has time and time again this season, Black bailed the team out with a three and started a 15-6 run at the end of the half to take the 44-28 halftime lead for the Bobcats.
Even with the poor stretch in the first half from the Bobcats they were still able to hold the Mastodons to just 28% from the field on 22-80 shooting. Jamsin Weatherspoon set the tone defensively with three blocks and seven rebounds..
The second half played out much the same as the first as Ohio continued their streak of strong shooting and tough defense. To start the half, the Bobcats went on a 16-4 run and never looked back. With the game slipping away, IPFW picked up the offensive tempo, but even that could not get IPFW into an offensive rhythm. Freshman Josie Fisher was a key proponent in the game for the Mastodons as she led the team in scoring with 18 to go along with her four steals.
While Black’s 21 points stood out for Ohio, this was a good team game for the Bobcats who earned their season high in assists with 11. Every player that got into the game for Ohio scored and each of the ‘Cats starters had at least five points. Quiera Lampkins also stood out on the offensive end of the floor, scoring 14 points while tacking on four assists.
With the win, the Bobcats improved to 4-2, and Head Coach Bob Boldon earned his 40th victory with the program. The Bobcats will next play host to Saint Francis (PA) Sunday at 2p.m.