Sports

All 12 teams in the Mid-American Conference are in action today, but today’s Senior Day game has bigger implications for Ohio than most teams in the MAC.

A win vs. last-place Akron (9-19, 2-15) gives the Bobcats a three-game winning streak to end the season, which would help them pursue a MAC tournament championship and birth to the Women’s NCAA tournament.

Ohio is the number five seed of the MAC tournament.

This comes to many as a disappointment for a Bobcat team (20-8, 11-6) who was second in the conference just a few weeks ago. After a three-game losing streak, the Bobcats’ dream of having a first-round bye were washed away. They are scheduled to host its first-round game in the Convocation Center.

Amidst all the disappointment, this team has responded over the past two of games, topping Miami and Bowling Green.

The Bobcats were able to get back on track thanks to finding an offensive rhythm.

In their losing skid, the team struggled mightily from the field, shooting under 35 percent each game.

That changed during their last two wins as the Bobcats have shot over 45 percent from the field, thanks to freshman Amani Burke stepping up to be the robin to Quiera Lampkins’ batman.

The rising superstar Burke had a career-high 21 points against Miami. Coach Bob Boldon continues to be very pleased with her early progress in the program. Burke has even drawn comparisons to Lampkins as she has potential to be Ohio’s next top player.

Ohio hopes its offensive playmakers and strong shooting and will give them the scoring needed to earn a lengthy tournament run.

Saturday marks senior day, a bittersweet occasion, especially for seniors Lampkins, Yamonie Jenkins, Jasmine Weatherspoon and Hannah Boesinger.  A victory would honor the players’ contributions to the program during their collegiate careers.

Today lays the foundation for satisfying these aspirations.

Tipoff is at 2 p.m.