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Ohio forward Aidan Hadaway talks to Ohio head coach Jeff Boals during a break in a game vs UNC Asheville. [Andrew Bowlby | WOUB Public Media]

AJ Clayton and Aidan Hadaway combine for 44 points, Ohio takes down Buffalo

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WOUB) — Ohio (8-6, 2-0 MAC) got its first win on the road and in MAC play Saturday in an ugly, defensive battle against Central Michigan–with a total of just 112 combined points scored. On the road against a Buffalo Bulls (5-9, 0-2 MAC) squad that’s ranked 338th out of 364 teams on KenPom in terms of defense, the opportunity was there to have a bounce-back game on offense. It was as good of a rebound as Ohio could’ve asked for, as the Bobcats won 88-79.

After being down 12-5 early in the first half, this game looked like it could’ve been a disaster of a loss to the team that was voted to finish last in the MAC. Coming out of the under-12 timeout, a fire was lit under Ohio. The Bobcats scored at will and increased their tenacity on the defensive end. Ohio’s best games this season have come when the bench unit steps up, and much-needed energy from Ajay Sheldon and Ayden Evans powered this team to a staggering 32-8 run to close the half, going up 37-20.

Jeff Boals speaking during a timeout vs UNC Asheville. [Andrew Bowlby | WOUB Public Media]
Poor shooting plagued the Bobcats early on, going 2-13 from the field. Ohio closed out the half on 11-15 shooting while shooting 13 free throws in the process as well. It was an offensive clinic, which the Bulls weren’t able to replicate. Buffalo shot an abysmal 0-12 from beyond the arc and added eight turnovers to go along with it.

While Buffalo’s offense woke up, Ohio’s defense has been immensely better than it was during November and early December. After allowing 79 points to Marshall on Dec. 14, Ohio allowed an average of 55 points per game across its last three wins heading into the game against Buffalo. It’s now safe to say that the Bobcats’ defense has found consistency for the first time in quite some time. It was a major concern early in the year, as they allowed at least 80 points per game in four of the team’s first five games. Perennial MAC contenders Akron, Kent State, and Toledo possess high-flying offenses once again this season. The difference this year for Ohio ultimately could be just how impactful its defense is against fellow MAC contenders.

Even though Buffalo’s offense woke up, Ohio’s offense was very much alive as well. That was thanks in part to AJ Clayton catching fire in the second half. After a quiet five-point first half, Clayton fired 22 points in the second half and completely took over the game. It’s the second-most points he’s scored in a game in his career, behind his 34 points against Portland in the Myrtle Beach Invitational earlier this season. Clayton also contributed with seven rebounds and three blocks, as he continues to add to his lead in blocks for the MAC.

Ohio will be back in action this Saturday with a return to the Convo against Northern Illinois, with tip-off set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.