Sports

Ohio cruises past Bowling Green 92-58 for senior night victory

By: Alex Michalec
Posted on: Saturday, March 4, 2023

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Friday night’s game against the Bowling Green Falcons meant more than a wrap on the 2022-2023 regular season. It marked the last time Dwight Wilson III, Ben Roderick and DeVon Baker suited up for the final time in front of the Bobcat faithful, dominating Bowling Green 92-58.

Ohio wasted no time, scoring on its first four possessions. Jaylin Hunter and Dwight Wilson III led the early spark for Ohio with a combined 12 points through the first ten minutes. Hunter was either driving downhill knocking down a midrange jumper or dishing it out to a three-point shooter.  

The last ten minutes weren’t much different. Freshman Elmore James and sophomore AJ Clayton kept the pressure on the Falcons. Clayton, who has been an integral part of Ohio this season, played his role to near perfection going 4-6 from 20 feet. It was a constant bombardment from the Bobcats, and they ended the first half up 54-26, shooting 62.9% from the field. 

Consistency, something Ohio head coach Jeff Boals said the team has greatly improved on, is what led the Bobcats to continue their domination in the second half.  They cruised past the Falcons, ending their two-game losing streak.

The young players for Ohio stole the show in the second half. Along with Clayton, the freshman duo of Elmore James and AJ Brown had themselves a night. James dropped 17 points, a career high since becoming a starter. As for AJ Brown, he was efficient in the second half scoring all of his 14 points in only 11 minutes. Boals spoke on the development of Ohio’s underclassmen.  

“In different ways they’ve all gotten better and better,” Boals said. “AJ Brown is probably one of the most positive kids I’ve ever been around. Elmore James has gotten better all year long and he maintained a great attitude and great work ethic.” 

Friday evening was a special night for Boals as well. Not only was it senior night, but also his first group of seniors as Ohio head coach. Boals has seen them grow from freshman to leaders on a Mid-American Conference tournament bound team.  

Roderick leaves Jeff Boals’ program as a key piece of their identity and says he would not want it any other way.  

“I chose a great spot at Ohio University,” Roderick said. “I would never take it back and throughout my four years it’s been an awesome experience.”  

With 3:48 left in the second half, Boals subbed out the four seniors one final time at home. Their legacy has been written and they will leave their mark with Ohio.