After having a three-game winning streak snapped by Manhattan on Dec. 19, Ohio suffered a loss to Long Island University-Brooklyn on Friday, beginning a two-game losing streak.
Streaks have been the story for Ohio (4-7) so far this season. The Bobcats have endured a five-game losing streak, enjoyed a three-game winning streak, and now, they have embarked on another streak of defeats.
The Blackbirds (3-5) beat the Bobcats 63-54 after a dominating first half performance left LIU-Brooklyn leading Ohio 40-21 at halftime.
“I thought our energy and intensity were not there in the beginning of the game,” said Ohio coach Semeka Randall.
The Blackbirds took a 26-13 lead with eight minutes left in the first half. In an effort to motivate her players, Randall was called for a technical foul as the score widened to 33-15 in favor of LIU-Brooklyn.
Ohio’s guards struggled in this game. Junior guard Shavon Robinson did not start the game and netted only five points.
Mariah Byard (knee injury) and Kiyanna Black (left leg injury) were out and limited to 10 minutes in the contest, respectively.
Junior guard Erin Bailes shot 4-7 from the floor for nine points for Ohio in the first half and finished with 19 points in the game.
“At halftime I told them it’s a pride thing, at some point, you got to start fighting,” said Randall.
Ohio responded well to Randall’s halftime encouragement by forcing six turnovers in the first four minutes of the second half and went on a 16-6 run but it wasn’t enough to threaten the Blackbirds.
“There needs to be some truth-telling, people need to come to grips with how they want the rest of the season to play out,” said Randall.
After the loss, the Bobcats will have some time to seek the truth. They have a break for the holidays; Ohio’s next game comes Jan. 5 against Xavier in Cincinnati.
jm296009@ohiou.edu
