Sports
Ohio Stomps Ball State, 73-48
By: Maggie Heltzel
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Every moment, down to the second, matters in a short, 40 minute basketball game. The Bobcats made each minute count by creating opportunities.
Ohio capitalized on Ball State’s mistakes, forced turnovers and followed through to score, creating a significant point margin. The Bobcats took the 73-48 win over the Cardinals.
Both teams stepped on the court with identical records, 9-3 and 1-0 in the MAC. Ohio strode out early on, setting the pace of the game. Ball State did not adjust to Ohio’s tough defensive coverage.
“We had to find way to disrupt [Ball State’s offense],” Coach Bob Boldon said.
48 points is not representative of Ball State’s usual offensive performance. The Cardinals average 71.8 points a game, led by Nathalie Fontaine who averages a personal 24.4. Boldon made it clear that in order to come out on top, his team must upset the Cardinals’ rhythm.
The double-teaming, post-controlling approach taken by the Bobcats proved to be effective. Forcing a whopping 26 turnovers, while keeping their own to a total of 11, the Bobcats created scoring opportunities. The Bobcats generated offensive gains by forcing turnovers, and the aggressive play by Ohio put Ball State in an uncomfortable situation. The Cardinals were indeed disrupted.
Ohio’s success was not limited to its’ defensive performance. The team played solid offense across the board. Top scoring players in Kiyanna Black, Quiera Lampkins, Lexi Baldwin, and Yamonie Jenkins, totaled 16, 15, 14, and 13 points respectively. Lampkins did not hesitate to take the ball herself, and the guard passed it off to a teammate for eight assists.
The win over Ball State is Ohio’s fifth straight win. Ohio is set to face the Bowling Green Falcons on Jan. 9.