Sports
Simmons, Setty Lead Ohio to Overtime Win
By: Blake Baker
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Ohio’s late push was successful Saturday afternoon as it edged Buffalo 103-96 in an overtime thriller on Senior Day.
With less than a minute left in regulation, Jordan Dartis hit a deep ball for his first points of the game, tying the game at 85 and effectively sending the game to overtime. He hit another with a minute and a half left in overtime to give the ‘Cats a three point lead they would not give back.
Buffalo had the hot hand early on. The Bulls appeared to take total control of the game, getting out to a 10-point lead in the first seven minutes of play. Ohio didn’t take its first lead of the contest until three minutes to go in the first half as a part of a 17-7 run.
Ohio found itself down by 10 points multiple times throughout the game, but defense and foul shooting were key components to Ohio’s ability to come back. The ‘Cats got timely stops, and took 49 free throws on over 30 fouls by Buffalo.
Jaaron Simmons did it all for the ‘Cats to start the game as he scored Ohio’s first 12 points. He finished with a career-high 31 points in addition to his eight assists. Treg Setty, the Bobcats’ sole senior, had a career day in his last game in the Convo, scoring a career-high 24 points and nabbing nine boards. Setty made an impact on all areas of the floor with plays like a drive around four Buffalo defenders for a score and two charges he drew to give Ohio critical possessions down the stretch.
Kenny Kaminksi overcame a slow start of his own, recording 22 points. Tony Campbell did not take a shot in the first half, but finished with six points and nine rebounds in an afternoon that ended early due to fouls.
Buffalo had three players score in double figures. Willie Conner put up a career-high 28 points, and Blake Hamilton finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Lamonte Bearden, who did not play in the first matchup between these two teams due to suspension, finished the night with 14 points.
CJ Massinburg, who scored 36 points in the first matchup, ended the afternoon with just eight.
Ohio surprisingly got beat out in the rebounding category but bested Buffalo in second chance points, turnovers, and points off turnovers. When it came down to it, the Bobcats just made more clutch shots than the Bulls, including a falling away jumper by Setty that maintained an early Ohio run and Dartis’ 3-pointers late in the game.
With the win, the Green and White hold sole possession of second place in the conference, and have now won 10 of the last 12 matchups against the Bulls.
Ohio looks ahead to perhaps its biggest test of the year when it travels to first place Akron Tuesday night at 7 pm.