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Cece Hooks of the Ohio University Bobcats dribbles the ball down the court toward Richmond's hoop against their game against the Spiders at the Convocation Center on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021.
Cece Hooks of the Ohio University Bobcats dribbles the ball down the court toward Richmond’s hoop against their game against the Spiders at the Convocation Center on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. [Alex Eicher | WOUB]

Ohio Women’s Basketball falls in high-scoring battle at Minnesota

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Minneapolis, Minn. (WOUB) — The Ohio Bobcats (4-3) hit the road to play the Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-6, 0-2) Wednesday night, and this game was anything but dull, putting the Bobcats offense to the test after a rough few losses at the beginning of the season.

Ohio University guard Erica Johnson, left, drives to the net during the school’s game against The University of Richmond, in Athens, Ohio, on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. Ohio University went on to win 98-89. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]
Ohio University guard Erica Johnson, left, drives to the net during the school’s game against The University of Richmond, in Athens, Ohio, on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. Ohio University went on to win 98-89. [Joseph Scheller | WOUB]

The fight was not easy as the Bobcats fell short in an offensive shootout, 99-93, but the starters showed their offensive improvement with all five putting double digits on the board.  Erica Johnson led the way making 21 points, with four three-pointers. Closely behind her was Cece Hooks with 20 points. Kaylee Bambule and Gabby Murris both made 18 points and Madi Mace had 16 points to top it off.

The first quarter flew by as both teams exchanged the lead five separate times. With both teams making 5 3-pointers, the ball has been moving down the court the entire game. The Bobcats shot 55.6 percent from three, taking after Minnesota making 71.percent of its shots, giving the Gophers the lead 25-21 by the end of the first quarter.

Moving into the second quarter, the Minnesota offense took off from there, as its shooting accuracy put it ahead. The Gophers made 13 of their 15 field goals. By halftime, Minnesota held the lead, 57-45.

The third quarter put both teams’ offensive performance to the test. Ohio made a comeback and outscored Minnesota, 24-22.  Cece Hooks shined in the quarter as she had seven points  However, the Bobcats went into the final quarter down by ten points, 79-69.

The Bobcats held their energy high in the last quarter but it wasn’t enough. With 1:18 remaining, Ohio put emphasis on its offensive improvement, cutting the deficit to as little as two points, 91-89.  However, Minnesota prevented Ohio from taking home the win from this game.

Ohio is next in action when it travels to Florida to take part in the FIU Holiday Hoops Showdown.  The Bobcats take on UMASS Lowell Monday and Binghamton Tuesday in their final two non-conference matchups.