|
|
Bassett, defense put Ohio in MAC title game |
|
|
|
|
Written by Mike Smith
|
 Tommie Freeman hustles after a loose ball. Freeman took several charges early to set a defensive tone.
For a variety of reasons, including an inspired Ohio defensive effort, Miami’s offense struggled for much of the game. It was particularly evident in the first half as the RedHawks managed just 12 points – a new MAC tournament record for fewest points in a period.
“We just didn’t get into an offensive flow like we should have,” said MU senior guard Kenny Hayes, who finished his Miami career with a 12 point night. That not only made him the RedHawks leading scorer Thursday, it also made him the only MU player to reach double figures.
It was less than half of the 27 points Hayes recorded one night earlier in a Miami victory over Buffalo, but there was a very good reason for that. Bobcats coach John Groce did more than celebrate his team’s upset win over No. 1 seed Kent State Thursday. He watched the Miami-Buffalo game and took mental notes. Those notes led him to an important strategy – Don’t let Kenny Hayes beat you!
“I didn’t want him to get going, so we doubled him a lot today,” Groce said after Friday’s Bobcats victory.
The double-team strategy actually had a two-fold effect. Not only did it dampen Hayes’ offensive production, it also seemed to push the RedHawks offense away from the basket. That, in turn, affected Miami’s inside game.
Julian Mavunga, who had 16 points against Buffalo and averaged 10.3 ppg prior to Friday, was nearly shut out against Ohio. The 6-8 sophomore had two points after three straight games in double figures. He tallied a total of 27 points in the two regular season games with Ohio.
Each team won one of those contests, but Akron pulled out the latter contest thanks to a 3-point goal by Tommy Freeman at the buzzer.
Freeman failed to score Friday, but he helped set the tone by taking several charges during the game’s opening minutes. The Red and White were whistled for four fouls between 17:54 and 17:04.
“We got … a little frustrated (by that),” Hayes said. “It got in our heads, and we started settling for jump shots.”
That option didn’t yield much as the RedHawks connected on just 5-of-20 shots before intermission. Two of the baskets came in the last 2:05 and Antonio Ballard’s trey at 1:17 allowed the RedHawks to avoid finishing the half in single digits.
Ten turnovers added to Miami’s woes as Ohio picked up eight points off RedHawk miscues. By the 2:54 mark, OU enjoyed a 14-point lead.
“They took a page out of our book,” Coles said of a swarming Ohio defense. “They did it, and they did it well.”
Noting Miami shot over 50 percent in both regular season matchups with his team, Groce told his squad they needed to play much better on the defensive end if they wanted to win the rubber match. “Our guys took the challenge head on,” Groce said. “We took several (charges) early, and that showed us where we were at (with the defensive effort).
As well as the Bobcats played on defense, they could have led by more than nine points (21-12) at the half. However, they were having a rare off night shooting the ball. Ohio actually had just one more field goal than Miami before intermission, making 6-of-22 for 27.3 percent. Ohio’s 7-0 advantage at the free throw stripe provided much of Bobcats’ advantage.
Both teams shot better in the second half, but OU managed to keep Miami at a distance. Kenneth Van Kempen’s jumper at 5:21 gave Ohio a 20-point advantage at 46-26.
Sophomore guard Kramer Soderberg quickly knocked eight points off that lead with two treys and a pair of free throws. “I wish I’d gotten him in there earlier and taken a look at him with Kenny in there,” Coles said.”The guys that were in there weren’t … hitting shots.”
Miami finally got the Bobcats lead down to single digits (48-40) again on a layup by Adam Fletcher, but just 45 seconds remained in the contest. The Bobcats converted all six free throw attempts in the final 37 ticks to seal the win. Bassett contributed four of those free throws and made 15-of-18 from the stripe on the way to a 28-point evening. The junior was coming off a career-high 38-point effort in Thursday’s upset win over Kent State. He also had 25 points in an overtime win at Ball State in round one of the tourney.
“The one thing we didn’t want to do, we did,” Coles said, referring to putting Bassett at the foul line.
Oddly enough, only four players scored for Ohio. Joining Bassett in double figures was DeVaughn Washington with 18 points. Van Kempen chipped in six points and D.J. Cooper added a bucket.
Coles noted the Bobcats have overcome a lot this season and are poised for more success. “They’re the most improved team in the league. It’s scary how good they can be next year.
Ohio 19-14, 7-9 MAC will meet Akron (24-9, 12-4 MAC) in Saturday’s championship game. The winner gets an NCAA tournament berth.
Akron, the MAC tourney’s No. 3 seed, defeated Ohio (No. 9 seed) in both regular season meetings. The last encounter, however, was a 91-88 double overtime thriller Feb. 14 in Akron.
“We deserve to be playing (in the title game),” Bassett said. “Our chemistry is at an all-time high, and that is why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
|
|
|
|
