Sports
Preview: Ohio Must Use Bowling Green Game to Prepare for Upcoming MAC Tournaments
By: John Jarosik
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Ohio aims to win two in a row when they face Mid-American Conference foe Bowling Green at the Convocation Center Wednesday.
The Bobcats (19-8, 10-6) are looking for their 20th win of the year. 2016-2017 would mark the third-straight year the Bobcats earned 20 regular-season wins if they are victorious.
Ohio is coming off a much-needed 77-63 victory from Saturday’s Battle of the Bricks against rival Miami (OH). Before that game, Ohio was headed in the wrong direction and on a three-game losing streak with the MAC Tournament less than a week away.
Bowling Green (8-20, 4-12) has won two of their past three contests, which includes their Saturday win against Buffalo. The Bobcats knocked off the Falcons New Year’s Eve, 69-58.
Ohio will need to have another collective effort on both ends if they want to sweep the season series with the Falcons and win back-to-back games.
The Bobcats must replicate its fast-paced and aggressive offensive play from Saturday. Ohio set the tone early with a 21-point opening quarter, making 4-of-8 3-pointers and 5-0f-5 free throws, setting the tone for them to cruise past Miami.
Quiera Lampkins had a solid performance with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-19 shooting and the bench outscored the Falcons 23-16 in their December meeting.
The Bobcats have proven to be hard to beat when they back strong scoring with sturdy defense. Ohio held Bowling Green to 30 percent from the field and under 15 percent shooting from the 3-point line. They also forced 14 turnovers, had 10 steals and five blocks.
If the Bobcats play strong on both ends of the court, they will be one step closer to being ready to compete in MAC Tournament. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.