Ohio, who are 3-0 for the first time since 2006, have had a change in mentality, as they hope to extend their winning streak.
This year, there’s something distinctive about the Bobcats.
No, their jerseys or motion offense hasn’t been altered — outside of a few occasional lineup changes.
But, their mentality has changed.
“Last year, this team would’ve given up and once we were down in the first half, we would’ve given up and just quit,” sophomore guard Quiera Lampkins said after Ohio’s 60-57 win against Detroit. “I do think that comes from experience, because we pretty much have the same team.”
When Lampkins was asked how the Bobcats felt to finally hold on to a lead after seeing multiple slip away last season, she simply smiled and said, “I’m excited. I mean, I wasn’t here in 2006. But, everyone else is excited.”
In the first two weeks of the season, Ohio (3-0) has shown more maturity in its play this season.
In comparison to last year’s first three games, Ohio has improved on almost every statistical category including points per game (85), shooting percentage (43.3 percent) and turnovers (39).
Junior guard Kiyanna Black said trust has been a contributing factor to the improvement.
“You practice things in the summer and in the spring and into summer and you try to get better. One thing we tried to get better on is being a better shooting team, a more skilled team,” coach Bob Boldon said. “It has shown the first couple of games, but obviously, there are a lot of basketball games left to play, so we’ll continue to try to work on it and try to get better.”
Starting its season 3-0 for the first time since 2006, Ohio has the opportunity to continue its winning streak against Northern Kentucky (2-2), who is coming off a loss to Loyola (Chicago) last week. This season, the Norse average just over 55 points per game along with a .322 shooting percentage. Christine Roush is leading their scoring with just over 13 points per game.
Black has lead the Bobcats in scoring, averaging 20 points per game so far, with Lampkins in second on the team at 18 points per game.
Ohio’s bench could be a factor in Tuesday’s matchup. The Norse played just eight players in their loss to Loyola, as the Bobcats have used numerous lineups this season.
The Bobcats, including their starting lineup of Black, Lampkins, Kat Yelle, Mariah Byard and Lexie Baldwin, currently have a plus-101 point differential this season. In their win over Detroit, all five starters hit a three pointer, as Ohio has made it a priority to move the ball faster and be more astute this year.
“Sometimes, where you don’t have the depth that we have, you worry about playing kids too many minutes or wearing out your best player or whatever it might be. I don’t think that suits this team,” Boldon said. “I think this team is very unselfish and I think these are kids that are learning to work hard for each other, which is exciting.”
@lukeoroark
lr514812@ohio.edu
