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[Bryan Kurp | WOUB]

Ohio Women’s Basketball drops MAC opener to Northern Illinois

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) –– Following an 18-day pause due to the holiday break and roster issues because of COVID-19, Ohio (6-4, 0-1 MAC) fell in its Mid-American Conference opener to Northern Illinois (4-7, 1-2 MAC) by a final score of 71-68.

Ohio's Gabby Burris attempts a three-point shot against Northern Illinois on January 8, 2021 at the Convocation Center. The Huskies defeated the Bobcats, 71-68.
Ohio’s Gabby Burris attempts a three-point shot against Northern Illinois on January 8, 2021 at the Convocation Center. The Huskies defeated the Bobcats, 71-68.

“I thought the effort was there,” Ohio head coach Bob Boldon said.  “Obviously, the results weren’t what we’d hoped. The third quarter defense put us in a hole. Then our shooting throughout the night didn’t didn’t really help us at any at any point and we just couldn’t quite get over the hump.”

Ohio’s second leading scorer Erica Johnson did not play due to COVID protocols.  In Johnson’s absence, reigning MAC player of the year Cece Hooks played the entire game and led the Bobcats with 24 points and nine rebounds.

“She wants to be on the floor,” Boldon said.  “In retrospect, I should have played her a little bit less but she gives it her all.  Like I said, these kids tried.  We tried but we were just not good enough.”

Gabby Burris finished with 19 points for the Bobcats, including a dozen in the second half.  Madi Mace and Kaylee Bambule also helped fill the void for Johnson’s absence with 11 and six points, respectively.

While the Huskies led for most of the matchup, Ohio brought the score within a single possession with under a minute left thanks to big three pointers from Bambule and Burris.  However, the Bobcats were unable to overcome the deficit.

Ohio’s game against Buffalo scheduled for Wednesday was postponed due to roster issue with the Bulls.  The Bobcats’ next game is scheduled for Saturday at Central Michigan.  Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.