Sports
Bobcats Bounce Back to Beat Rival
By: Duncan Goldberg
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In a season full of injuries, tough losses and bad luck, the Ohio Bobcats (14-13) finally got something to go their way, as they were able to hang on over their rival, the Miami Redhawks (10-14), 92-87 in overtime.
With the Bobcats down one with a little less than a minute left in the game, Teyvion Kirk got a good look at a three pointer, but it was off the mark. Then James Gollon, in his second start on the season, crashed the offensive boards and was able to tip the ball to Jordan Dartis, who proceeded to grab the ball and lay it in to give Ohio their final lead of the game.
“The ball just came to me, and I just put it in,” said Dartis when talking about the final shot to give Ohio the lead.
Ohio proceeded to get a stop, were able to make their free throws, which they have had troubles with in the past, and get a much needed win.
Even though the final score was close, Ohio dominated a majority of this game, as their biggest lead was 15 points. With the game getting closer to the end of regulation though, the Redhawks kept chipping away with big three after big three and finally knotting the game up at 79 with two free throws.
“When a team hits 13 threes, normally that game is going into the win column,” said head coach Saul Phillips when talking about the Redhawks comeback.
That is how Miami was able to find their way back in the game, with the three-ball, as the Bobcats were up 10 points with 4:19 left in the game.
“I’m happy for my wife, she doesn’t have to put up with me,” said coach Phillips when talking about getting the win tonight and not having to deal with another close loss.
The game was good offensively for the Bobcats as they shot 52 percent from the field, but struggled with some careless turnovers in the backcourt. While the Redhawks, who started very hot to start the game, even hitting six of their first nine threes, finished shooting 42 percent. Hitting the 13 three pointers is what kept them in the game.
Prior to the game, the Bobcats made a switch that hasn’t been seen in 56 straight games as Phillips decided to bring Gavin Block off the bench and start James Gollon. James Gollon had been playing very well in his last five games, averaging 29 minutes per game and shooting 47.4 percent from the 3-point line. Block was just coming off of a game where he went 0-7 from the field.
It didn’t end up effecting Block though as he played one of his best games of the season putting up 16 points, five boards and three assists.
“I don’t know. I don’t really care, either, you know? I’m going to get my minutes and James Gollon is going to do what James Gollon does,” said Block when talking about coming off the bench as the season continues.
Gollon also played very well, as he was able to basically get the game winning assist with the tip pass to Jordan Dartis. Gollon also had seven points, seven boards and two assists.
Dartis continued his fantastic play as he had a team high 23 points, making three of four threes, grabbing six boards and two assists.
With the season coming closer and closer to an end, this is almost the last chance for the Bobcats to grab some momentum before the MAC tournament. There are only four regular season games left on the season.
The Bobcats will be staying at home in their next matchup, as on Tuesday they host Kent State (13-14).