In the sparsely populated Convo on Tuesday night, Ohio took a note from Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross, learning that “The Best Things in Life Are Free.”
The Bobcats (5-1) converted 19-of-20 shots from the free throw line in the first half, which compensated for early field goal shooting trouble and handled Mercer (4-3) by a final score of 76-67.
“(Mercer) tested our will,” coach Jim Christian said. “I think what we learned as a group tonight is that even if we don’t shoot it well, which we didn’t shoot it well early in the game, if you defend, rebound, take care of the basketball and make free throws, you’re going to do well.”
In the early going, Ohio couldn’t put together any rhythm offensively, beginning the game shooting 4-of-21 from the field and settling for mid-range jumpers or contested three-point shots.
But Ohio closed the first half on a 14-5 run during final last three minutes with a pair of makes from downtown by junior forward Maurice Ndour, including a D.J. Cooper-esque shot from the edge of the half-court logo with the shot-clock expiring.
Efficiency from the free throw line also continued in the second half, with the Bobcats completing 8 of their 12 free throw attempts.
The Bobcats finished shooting 84 percent from the line, which was a pleasant development for Christian, who said the Bobcats needed to improve their free throw shooting after Saturday’s win against Heidelberg.
Ndour was Ohio’s leading scorer for the fourth time this season, finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds in his first double-double as a Bobcat.
Senior forward Jon Smith completed the one-two punch in Ohio’s frontcourt, nearly notching a double-double of his own, tying a career-high with 16 points while grabbing nine boards, including seven of the offensive variety.
Both played a pivotal role in Ohio’s 42-30 rebounding advantage.
“We’re pretty much interchangeable,” Smith said regarding himself and Ndour. “He’s my brother on the court.”
Seniors Nick Kellogg and T.J. Hall also reached double digits in points, scoring 12 and 11 points, respectively. Two of Hall’s baskets, which were each converted layups with a foul, occurred during the waning minutes of the game when Mercer cut Ohio’s lead to single digits.
“I think our seniors won this game for us,” Christian said. “As great as Maurice played, Stevie played a good game, our seniors won this game for us. TJ down the stretch, those were two huge plays. TJ, more than anybody on the team, has a great ability to create shots right around the basket.”
Ohio continued to set the tone in the second half, opening with an 8-1 run, fueled by threes by junior guard Stevie Taylor and Kellogg, along with a slam from Ndour.
Mercer, which shot 46 percent in the first half, couldn’t maintain its offensive success in the second, shooting 41 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes.
@c_hoppens
ch203310@ohiou.edu
