What looked like a promising 2-0 start in Mid-American Conference play faded late in the second half as Ohio watched its lead evaporate against Kent State Saturday.
The Bobcats led by as many as 11 points in the first half but could not seal the deal as the Golden Flashes emerged victorious by a 68-65 margin.
“As a unit, the immaturity on our part, we knew that this was going to be a grind-out game,” Ohio coach Semeka Randall said. “And we, at times, didn’t stay mentally focused on what we needed to do as a basketball program.”
The Bobcats were responsible with the ball, turning it over only 13 times. But they had a couple of turnovers at key points that shifted the momentum in their opponents’ direction.
“We did play smart,” Randall said. “But I thought our turnovers, when we did turn it over, were at critical times in the game where we really needed to get a basket, and I think it would have helped our momentum.”
Although the Golden Flashes are a very young team, Ohio was unable to contain the experience they did bring to the table. Three of Kent State’s four upperclassmen hit double figures offensively.
Tamzin Barroilhet led the way with 20 points, a game high. Diamon Beckford, who had 19, and Trisha Krewson contributed 13.
The trio combined for more than 75 percent of the team’s points and rebounds. The rebounding margin especially concerned Randall, whose team grabbed fewer boards than the Golden Flashes’ big three combined. She said she was displeased with the Bobcats’ lackluster effort on the offensive glass.
“We need to get on the boards a little better than that. It was uncharacteristic of us to have only five offensive rebounds,” she said.
Ohio Guard Tenishia Benson, who scored 15 points and hauled down five rebounds, led the team. Shavon Robinson had 14 points, while Ashley Fowler added 10.
Kent State’s victory was its first since mid-November. With the win, the Golden Flashes advance to 2-10 overall and 1-1 in the MAC. Ohio fell back to the .500 mark, evening out its record at 8-8 and 1-1 in conference play.
jr992810@ohiou.edu
