The Bobcats lost their second straight game on Monday, despite a second-half comeback.
Despite a second-half rally, the Bobcats were unable to complete their comeback against James Madison on Monday night, falling 69-62.
Ohio cut a 17-point deficit down to a single point to make it 63-62 with 1:12 left, but the Dukes responded with a layup.
The Bobcats had a chance to tie it with a three-point attempt from junior guard Kiyanna Black, but it rimmed out and the Dukes hung on to win their eighth game this season.
“We didn’t have much room for error going down the stretch,” coach Bob Boldon said. “Our kids battled back piece-by-piece. We had a good look for a good player and she happened to miss it. That’s basketball.”
Earlier in the season, Boldon hinted that size would be an issue and the Bobcats got deeper into their schedule.
In the last two games, both losses to East Carolina and James Madison, respectively, the Boldon’s team was out-rebounded by a combined 92-68, including 52-32 Monday.
Lauren Okafor, James Madison’s center, dominated the contest with 13 points and 18 rebounds, half of Ohio’s combined team total for boards collected.
Ignoring rebounds, Ohio still struggled to make baskets and shot 34.5 percent from the floor and 28 percent from three-point range.
“We just weren’t real fluid offensively,” Boldon said. “We were just a little bit off. At times I thought we were trying to do too much thinking…and not enough just playing basketball.”
Some of that may have been attributed to the absence of Yamonie Jenkins, the sophomore guard who suffered a concussion against East Carolina. Jenkins leads the nation with a 6.5 assist/turnover ratio.
Her replacement, redshirt guard Mariah Harris, made her first career appearance for the Bobcats after transferring from Michigan State last year. Harris finished the game with one point and three rebounds.
Black and sophomore guard Quiera Lampkins finished with 17 points to lead Ohio while Dukes’ guard Precious Hall scored 23 points.
James Madison entered the matchup No. 15 in the nation, according to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rating Percentage Index.
“I thought there were two good basketball teams on the floor,” Boldon said. “Unfortunately it didn’t go our way. There’s a lot to learn and hopefully we’ll do so.”
@charliehatch_
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