Sports
Women’s Basketball: Fight Mars Ohio’s Loss At Central Michigan
By: Kyrstin Ratliff
Posted on:
Ohio (9-12, 2-5 MAC) fell to Central Michigan 67-53 on Wednesday night, keeping the Bobcats winless in true road games, but the final score will be overlooked by what happened about midway through the first half of play.
With 11:08 left in the first half, play was halted for a routine media timeout when Ohio’s Porsha Harris and Central Michigan’s Jas’Mine Bracey started to throw punches. Both benches spilled on to the court, but it seemed as if was only done in an attempt to break up the fight. It is unclear why the fight began but both players were ejected from the game. Bracey contributed six points and two rebounds before leaving the game. Harris also contributed two rebounds.
Due to the fight, no players or coaches were available for comment.
There is no rule inside Ohio's student-athlete code of conduct or handbook that calls for a mandatory suspension if a player is ejected for fighting. The Mid-American Conference's code of conduct and handbook is password protected, and emails to MAC Director of Communications Jeremy Guy and Assistant Media Relations Director Ken Mather were not immediately responded to.
Harris, a junior who transferred to Ohio from Gulf Coast Community College before this season, has missed seven games this season with various injuries. She is Ohio's third-leading scorer (8.9 ppg) and second-leading rebounder (5.8 rpg).
In the game, the Bobcats hit a couple quick baskets to start 4-2 but were never able to regain the lead after the first minute of the game. The most significant statistical difference between these two teams was the field-goal shooting percentage. The Chippewas (12-9, 4-3 MAC) shot 43.8 percent compared to the Bobcats’ 29.3 percent.
Central Michigan also capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks. The Chippewas scored 17 points off turnovers and recorded eight fast break points. The Bobcats scored only six and two respectively.
The Bobcats have lost five of their last six conference games and are 0-6 in true road games. Ohio plays at Western Michigan on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Shavon Robinson led the Bobcats with 14 points, followed by Tenishia Benson with 12. Four Chippewa players ended the game with points in double digits, led by Taylor Johnson with 16.
@BobcatShowcase