The Bobcats will face the Zips on Friday in Akron, as both teams are looking to break their longest losing streaks in more than a decade.
With three games remaining in the regular season, the Bobcats aren’t giving up just yet.
That doesn’t come without frustration, though, as redshirt junior forward Treg Setty said he’s unsure where the players’ heads are throughout the longest losing streak Ohio has experienced in a decade.
But on Friday, the Bobcats get a chance to break their skid in Akron against a Zips team (17-11, 8-7 Mid-American Conference), that is also amidst its longest losing streak this season at four games. It’s their longest skid since 2003.
From the two-straight MAC Championship matchups in 2012 and 2013, to Akron’s double-overtime victory over Ohio last season, the recent history between these teams is filled with intense bouts.
Now, the two are searching for their identities before the MAC Tournament starts.
“A lot of the guys aren’t used to this,” Setty said. “It’s just frustrating, it’s just difficult to keep your head up. Nobody likes to be a loser.”
Redshirt senior guard Javarez “Bean” Willis sprained his ankle during the first half against Bowling Green Tuesday and his status for Friday will be a game-time decision. Coach Saul Phillips said “there are no red flags” after Wednesday’s practice, which Willis sat out.
If he sees limited action or isn’t able to play, Phillips plans to use Ryan Taylor and Stevie Taylor interchangeably in the point guard position, like the Bobcats did Tuesday after Willis left the game.
Ohio (9-17, 4-11 MAC) is searching for its first win in three weeks, but the next two road games feature teams that its already beaten this season: Akron and Buffalo. The first will be televised on ESPNU and will feature a chance for Ohio to gain momentum before the tournament, because as it has been proven year after year, anything can happen once the regular season ends.
“Nobody likes to lose and we’re doing a lot of it,” Setty said. “We’re just trying to maintain a little bit of focus for this last stretch and hopefully catch lightning in a bottle and make a push toward the tournament.”
Ohio’s recent struggles have stemmed from its opponents out-playing the Bobcats in the paint and, most importantly, on the boards. They were outrebounded 45-31 during the loss to Bowling Green and also allowed 16 offensive rebounds in the first meeting against Akron.
Phillips said being dominant rebounders was the Bobcats’ key focus heading into Friday, because of the team’s recent struggles.
“Offensive rebounds prolong possessions,” Phillips said. “But more importantly they generally take place in an area where, when you get the offensive rebound you generally got the defense at a tremendous disadvantage.”
The MAC season has been inconsistent for all teams this season, as the five sitting atop the standings are separated by just two games. Because every team has proven it can win any game, the Bobcats are keeping their competitive spirits, despite their struggles.
“The MAC is not necessarily a one-horse league,” Setty said. “We know that anybody has a chance to win the MAC and it all starts with these next three games. We can play for a seed, hopefully get a higher seed and get a better draw.”
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