Sports
Bobcats dominate the paint, win rebound battle in victory over Mount St. Mary’s
By: Adam Schlosser
Posted on:
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — After coming off a tough loss to Kentucky Friday, the Ohio Men’s Basketball team knew it had to work on one aspect of its game: rebounding. This was fully evident on Monday as the Bobcats dominated Mount St. Mary’s through the ability to control the glass and earn points in the paint.
The Bobcats started off the match hot, jumping to a 7-3 lead early thanks largely in part to Ohio’s ability to force four straight turnovers during the opening stretch. However, the Mountaineers would chip down at this lead over the stretch of the first half thanks largely in part to the offense contributions of Jalen Benjamin, who shot 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. However, The Bobcats wouldn’t be phased during this stretch, as Marc Sears’s ability to create separation in the paint would lead the way for Ohio’s offense. The two sides would end the half trading buckets, giving the Bobcats a slight 32-26 lead.
The second half saw Ohio erupt offensively, with the Bobcats recording 13 points in four minutes. Jason Carter would be the one to lead Ohio during this stretch, scoring 6 of the points needed to kickstart the Bobcats on offense. While the rest of the half saw the Bobcats continue to struggle with guarding Jalen Benjamin, the team anchored defensively, winning key rebounds that allowed for second chance points. Offensively Ben Rodrick lead the Bobcats on offense during the second half, leading the team with 11 points. The Bobcats would also rotate the ball into Marc Sears hands, who would frequently drive in the paint and earn free throw opportunities off of made layups. In the end, Ohio were able to secure a dominant 73-59 victory.
The Bobcats victory was largely in part due to the ability to earn rebounds. Ohio was effective in securing the ball, winning the rebound battle 30-26.
“We did a good job boxing out tonight,” Ohio head coach Jeff Boals said. “(Mount St. Mary’s) only had six, but they shot 54 percent from the field, which is concerning. But to hold them to 6 offensive rebounds with their front line as big as they were; I thought we got some big rebounds in the second half.”
While the Bobcats usually do an effective job of shooting from three, the offense was primarily structured around scoring in the paint tonight, with 48 of their 73 points coming from down low.
“I think the way they play, the ball screens, they do a drop coverage; so we knew we could get the ball in the paint,” Boals said. “Our emphasis was really getting in the paint, which we did; a lot. Then we wanted to play off of two feet; jump stop, be strong, because they ride you, they push you. Their fives try to come over and block everything.”
Ohio looks to continue its early season form against Concordia (Mich.) this Friday in The Convo. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.