Sports
Ohio Men’s Basketball escapes with a win against UMass for wins in eight of the last nine games
By: Grant Kiefer
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Somehow, some way, the Bobcats keep finding ways to win.
After starting 1-6 against tough competition, Ohio (9-7, 3-1 MAC) has rattled off eight wins in its last nine games to completely flip the team’s fortunes this season. On Tuesday night, it wasn’t pretty in the second half, but it’s something the team is ready to embrace in a tougher year in the MAC.
“It’s very important, especially down the stretch,” senior guard Ajay Sheldon said. “Every game is going to be a war, especially this year. There’s no gimmes. We’ve had years where we haven’t won those close games. The fact that we’re pulling them out now, I think it’s huge for us.”
The first half looked like Ohio could cruise to an easy win, as the Minutemen’s zone defense got disected by Ohio at every scoring level. Javan Simmons had 16 first half points, including his 1,000th career point. Ohio as a team made seven threes in the first half, the most it’s had so far this season against a Division I opponent. The Bobcats shot 68% from the field as a team. Despite the success on offense, UMass hung around, only trailing by seven points at the break.
The Minutemen eventually found answers for Simmons in the paint, as he and the Bobcats’ offense went ice cold in the middle of the second half, and allowed them to go on an 11-0 run and take a 70-66 lead with 10 minutes to go in the game. The score remained for three minutes of game action, as Ohio couldn’t get anything to go on offense and frustration mounted.
When times get tough, it’s important to look to your leader. Despite a low number of field goals, Jackson Paveletzke cut the deficit back to one with his only three pointer of the night. JJ Kelly hit a three to take the lead back at 73-72, which was followed by a wild three point attempt from Sheldon, which resulted in a foul on UMass. Some would say it was a low percentage look, but to head coach Jeff Boals, it’s just another shot from Sheldon.
“I’ll give him the ultimate green light,” Boals said. “He puts a time and effort into it, he’s earned it. He’s a fourth year senior in our program. I’m fine with any shot he takes.”
Elijah Elliott was out due to an injury suffered against Eastern Michigan. It’s unclear what the specific injury is, but he’s expected to miss time. Jessee Burris was able to step up off the bench, adding 13 points with nine of them coming from beyond the arc. It’s another opportunity for one of Ohio’s young players.
“Coming in this game, we knew he was gonna play a little bit more,” Boals said. “He came out with a lot of confidence and hit his first shot and hit some big shots in the first half and gave us some great minutes.”
This is the first of a three-game stretch where Ohio will be tested by a handful of contenders in the MAC. The Bobcats are 1-0, but will host Buffalo (13-2, 3-0 MAC) and travel to Toledo (9-6, 3-0 MAC) in their next two games. This may be the best overall year the MAC has had since Boals became head coach of the program, but his team intentionally played a tougher nonconference schedule to prepare.
Ohio’s game against Buffalo tips off at 2 p.m. on Saturday and can be seen on ESPN+.