Sports
Ohio Women’s Basketball comes up short in season opener
By: Andrew Bowlby
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Ohio Women’s Basketball is back.
The Bobcats welcomed the Long Island Sharks to the Convocation Center on Monday for the first ever meeting between the programs. Ohio was looking to start strong coming off of a disappointing 15 and 15 season last year.
Throughout the game, the Bobcats were able to make pushes and stay around. However, Ohio was unable to swim with the Sharks and fell short 74-67.
A slow offensive start plagued Ohio.
The offense was nowhere to be found in the opening quarter, as they only scored seven points. An Abby Garnett layup, two made free throws from Jaya McClure and a three from Ella Pope was all the Bobcats had on the board. Struggles shooting were a major problem, shooting only 1-11 from deep and a total of 14% from the field.
“We’re definitely putting the pieces together,” senior guard Caitlyn Kroll said. “It’s our first real game as a team…we’ll regroup tomorrow and learn from this game.”
The team was able to get some offense going as the game continued but were never able to pull ahead.
Late runs fall short.
In both halves the Bobcats were able to make late runs and get back into the game but were never able to finish them off. Midway through the second quarter Ohio was down 23-16 and made a quick 8-0 run. The Bobcats still found themselves down 31-29 at half.
Late in the fourth quarter the Bobcats made a similar run, going 7-0 in 2:23 to cut the lead to four. With 40 seconds left Ohio was unable to cap off the run and tie the game.
Free throws were a major difference.
Ohio had a total of 36 free throws and only made 23 (64%), while Long Island was 19-24 (80%). The Sharks also made free throws in crucial moments, going 10-11 in the fourth quarter. For the Bobcats, it was the opposite only making 8-13 in the fourth and 13-20 in the second half.
Turnover problems prove costly.
With a total of 22 turnovers, the Bobcats handed Long Island chances all night long. The turnovers that occurred were costly as the Sharks scored 20 points off of them. Ohio only scored nine points on 20 turnovers.
What’s next?
The Bobcats will be back in action on Thursday on the road at Longwood, where they will be eager to bounce back.