There are big wins, there are blowouts and then there is whatever Ohio did to Cleveland State. A largely unopposed second half coupled with an offense running rampant blew the game wide open for Ohio. Another win can increase confidence, and a game like Sunday’s will send it through the roof.
Here are some quick reactions to Ohio’s 101-46 stomping of Cleveland State:
Offense running buck wild
After its three-day expedition to Champaign, Illinois, Ohio’s offense had proven to be versatile and able to run away with games if left unchecked. But the second half was shooting practice for the Bobcats.
A 40-0 run for Ohio was the longest scoring run by a Division I team against another Division I team in NCAA history. The Bobcats cracked 100 points for the first time in two years. Lunden McDay led Ohio with 20 points and going 7-10 in the paint. Others cracking double digits include Ben Vander Plas, Jason Preston, Dwight Wilson and Rifen Miguel.
12 minutes unopposed
Sure, the offense got to flex its muscles today, but the defense is the most impressive aspect of Ohio’s performance. The last time Ohio held a team to fewer than 50 points was against Miami on Feb. 8.
But Cleveland State sputtered for 12 straight minutes after halftime. There was hardly a response so much as a few failed layup attempts until the Vikings broke the drought with a free throw. If Ohio’s defense can work like it did against Cleveland State, there may be further blowouts in Ohio’s future.
A better team playing better basketball
It was clear Ohio woke up Sunday as the better of two teams.
Cleveland State’s shooting percentage was less than 25% in the final minutes. Ohio flirted with close to 60% the entire game. Ohio’s offense cracked 100 points, and the Vikings couldn’t manage 50.
The Bobcats were strong on both sides of the court. Cleveland State had a hard time managing a response of any kind.
