Although the path Ohio takes to victory may be frustrating for fans, the Bobcats continue to get the job done.
With almost ten minutes remaining, Ohio overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat Buffalo 73-70 on the road Saturday. The win marked the Bobcats’ seventh comeback victory of the season after trailing by at least 10 points in the second half.
“I was just proud of how we stayed together,” Ohio coach Jim Christian said. “We could have come apart when (Buffalo) went up ten with nine and change to go, and we found a way to try to win. Honestly, we don’t like our formula but we just keep winning the same way. I don’t know how we’re doing it, but we’re finding ways to win.”
The Bobcats outscored the Bulls 20-7 during the final 9:47 of the game and hit nine of 14 shots during that span.
The Bobcats shot 48 percent from the field in the second half, as they clamped down on the Bulls, which were held to 41 percent from the field and 25 percent from beyond the arc in the final half.
Senior guard Nick Kellogg and junior forward Maurice Ndour led the Bobcats with 17 points apiece. But Ohio’s depth was tested all game, as junior guard Stevie Taylor did not play because of a deep calf contusion and senior guard T.J. Hall — a regular starter — played 18 minutes after rolling his ankle during the opening minutes of the contest.
The Bobcats received significant contributions from redshirt junior guard Javarez “Bean” Wills, who started in place of Taylor, and freshman forward Antonio Campbell.
The duo combined for 12 points in the final 6:34 of the game.
Kellogg came up with a crucial steal on the Bulls’ final possession to seal the win for the Bobcats.
“For the most part in the second half, I think we just stuck together and hung our hat on what we needed to do, which was get stops, and that’s what we did
toward the end of the game” Kellogg said.
Christian said he was impressed with how the Bobcats played their zone defense and how they contained Bulls senior forward Javon McCrea, who finished with 18 points.
“We really recognized their personnel very well,” Christian said. “And we knew who to play and who to leave off because McCrea’s such a lot to handle. And we rebounded. That’s probably the best we’ve rebounded out of the zone all year.”
Saturday marked the Bulls’ first loss at home this season — a statistic that wasn’t lost on Kellogg and his teammates.
“This was a really big win, especially on the road,” Kellogg said. “(Buffalo is) really good here at home. I don’t they’ve lost here in the conference at home, so to come in here and get this win means a lot for the team.”
@Brandon_Kors
mk277809@ohiou.edu
Fast Facts
Ohio 73 (18-7, 8-4 MAC)
Buffalo 70 (14-8, 8-4 MAC)
Maurice Ndour and Nick Kellogg each scored a team-high 17 points
The Bobcats are now tied for second place in the MAC East
Buffalo forward Javon McCrea scored a game-high 18 points while grabbing eight rebounds
This article appeared in print under the headline "Bobcats earn thrilling win against Bulls."
