Sports
Instant Reaction: First Half – Ohio 31, Kent Sate 26
< < Back to instant-reaction-first-half-ohio-31-kent-sate-26Halftime
Ohio Bobcats
D.J. Cooper: 11 points, 3-6 3-point field goals
Walter Offutt: 10 points, 8-10 free throws
Kent State Golden Flashes
Chris Evans: 6 points, 8 rebounds
Darren Goodson: 6 points
Rise and Shine
Ohio and Kent State tipped off at 11:02 a.m. for the earliest start time in the country. The early game time appeared to have no effect on the Bobcats, as Ohio showed more energy than the Golden Flashes in the opening minutes of the game.
Out the Gate
A T.J. Hall 3-pointer sandwiched in between two Reggie Keely buckets gave Ohio a 7-1 lead in the first two minutes. Keely’s second layup was a tough and-one bucket that sent shock waves through the entire team and grabbed early momentum for the Bobcats. Keely would miss the free throw.
Cold Spell
After Keely’s missed free throw attempt, the Bobcats made just one of their next 13 shots from the field. The Bobcats were just 9-of-25 overall in the first half of play. Kent State didn’t fare any better, shooting just 31 percent.
What Goes Around Comes Around
Ohio ended the half much like it began the game, outscoring the Golden Flashes 15-3 in the final five minutes before the break. During that stretch, Walter Offutt poured in 6 points and Cooper registered another 6. The two teamed up for some last-second drama, as Offut picked up a steal with five seconds remaining and fed to Cooper for a 28-foot contested 3 that danced around the rim before falling at the buzzer.