Sports

The Lady 'Cats balanced scoring attack complemented the high shooting percentage. Five players had double figure totals, led by Tenishia Benson's 14 points.

 

"When we beat Xavier in double overtime, it gave us that momentum and that boost and that confidence to carry that offense and that's what you see now. It was like a growth spurt and you could really feel it within the team," said Benson.

 

George Mason pushed out to an early 8-0 lead, but Ohio outscored the Patriots 40-15 to end the half leading 40-23. The green and white held that lead while George Mason worked to build momentum. The Patriots went 14-28 from the field in the second frame.

 

"Everything seems to be flowing right now as a team," said Ohio freshman guard Mariah Byard. "I've gotten used to the system and learning the plays. Everything's coming more naturally now.

 

Ohio got quality looks at the close to the basket, dominating the Patriots inside with 30 points in the paint. They also kept control of the ball, completing 14 assists to 10 turnovers.

 

Meanwhile, the defense stifled George Mason's second chances. They had 25 offensive boards while allowing the Pats (7-4) to get only four points on eight offensive rebounds.

 

"Anytime you come back after break and you play a talented team like this, you're just concerned because you have five days off and you have no idea what team is going to come out there and play," Ohio head coach Semeka Randall said. "The big key here, we got to the free throw line and we were able to finish on that."

 

Porsha Harris (13), Ashley Fowler (14), Mariah Byard (11) and Shavon Robinson (10) all notched double-figure point totals for the Bobcats.

 

"Porsha's being dominant inside, whether she's making shots or missing shots, she's drawing a lot of attention and opening up for Tenishia and Shavon out on the perimeter," said Randall.

 

Guard Taleia Morton paced the Patriots with 25 points despite sitting for 11 minutes in the first half because of foul trouble.

 

This win brings Ohio's record to 7-7 going into conference play. The past two years, Ohio had only eight and nine wins respectively.

 

"Since I've been here, this is probably our best start in terms of being able to double our win in non-conference. You're seeing this team grow and have confidence in one another," said Randall.

 

Ohio opens MAC play at the Convocation Center against the Buffalo Bulls on January 4.