OXFORD — With four-and-a-half minutes to play, the scoreboard powered down in Miami’s Millet Hall and it never really recovered, similar to the Bobcats’ play.
A lack of execution resulted in Ohio’s 68-63 loss to the Miami on the road, preventing the Bobcats from getting their first Battle of the Bricks sweep since 2011.
“It’s the same thing over and over,” coach Bob Boldon said. “We’re just not a good basketball team. We weren’t a very good team at the beginning of the year and we aren’t right now. We compete; it’s close for a little bit; then we lose. “
The loss Saturday afternoon also meant Ohio dropped to the No. 10 seed in the Mid-American Conference Tournament and will play at Toledo in the first round on Monday.
A win would’ve sent Ohio to Kalamazoo, Mich. for a matchup at No. 7 Western Michigan as the No. 10 seed in the tournament.
“I was hoping we’d play in Athens,” Boldon said. “I don’t like Toledo anymore than I like Kalamazoo. … Last time in Toledo, we stayed downtown and I had a view overlooking the river, but it was frozen — kind of anticlimactic as well. We got a new hotel, so maybe that’ll be better for us.
The Bobcats jumped out to an early 5-0 lead 70 seconds into the game, but didn’t lead again. Sophomore guard Kiyanna Black got into foul trouble and the Ohio offense suffered as result, as the RedHawks led 33-26 at the break.
Ohio tied the contest a few times but wasn't able to take control of the lead.However, the Bobcats cut their deficit to three points in the closing seconds. With 9.2 seconds, Boldon called a timeout and ran a play to get the ball to Black, his three-point shooter.
On the inbounds play, Black was able to create separation but her attempt was long and hit the back of the iron. Miami got the rebound and got intentionally fouled.
“I should’ve given her a better play,” Boldon said. I thought they executed well but it was just poorly designed. I thought she did a good job at getting the ball off; I thought I did a poor job of putting her in position to getting a good shot off.”
Following the game, the Boldon said the Bobcats would travel directly from Oxford up to Toledo for their game Monday night.
gh181212@ohiou.edu
@charliehatch_
