The Sweet Taste of Victory, Finally.

The Bobcats are no longer winless at home in February after snapping a five game losing streak with a 69-56 win against rivalry Miami last night. The "Battle of the Bricks" was an intense battle between two teams struggling to make a turnaround. The 8-19 Redhawks have been facing the same difficulties as the 7-20 Bobcats in terms of finding consistency and overcoming adversity, but last night's contest game down to three key moments and statistics.

1. REBOUNDING! In the loss to Miami earlier this season, Ohio lost on the boards by one rebound. Last night however, the story was completely different. Ohio out-rebounded the Redhawks 45-31!

2. Miami's best player Courtney Osborn was injured in the first half and Ohio took advantage of her time on the bench by busting out a 13-2 run to chip away at the deficit.

3. Everyone played their individual role. Kamille Buckner stayed out of foul trouble and earned her third career double-double, Thia Gholson scored eight and tallied 12 rebounds, Jennifer Bushby added 15 points, Carolyn Barnett chipped in with 14 off the bench, Tina Fisher played solid defense and was a physical presence inside, Jenny Poff struggled to score early but managed to contribute with assists and rebounds, and Symone Lyles played consistent off the bench and added a free-throw.

Isn't that what life is all about though? We are thrown in different situations and different environments as we embark on new opportunities in our lives. Different environments mean new teammates or co-workers and certainly new roles. It is our job to adjust and figure out the best way we can contribute. Sometimes we will be hero, other times we will have to give the hero the assist. Either way, teamwork is what makes success possible and teamwork starts with the individual.

Before the game, Assistant Coach Ryan Bragdon said, "We have been in every single position possible. It is just whether or not we can make plays down the stretch."

The Bobcats have been in close games where they are leading and close games where they are trailing, but in almost every close game the team has made bad decisions late in the game. What Coach Bragdon was saying is, it all depends on whether or not they will learn from the past. Each moment in our lives prepares us for an even bigger moment. Whether or not we are ready for that bigger moment depends on what we have learned from the past and how we have prepared for the future. Ohio finally learned from its mistakes and were able to seal off the Redhawks for the sixth straight time at the Convocation Center.

What shall they prepare for next? Ohio will take on Buffalo at 2:00 for the last home game of the season. Don't miss it!

Fun Fact: Senior night at the Convo Saturday! Come honor Jennifer Bushby and Jenny Poff for their successful career as a Bobcat.

Go Bobcats!

The Beauty of Teamwork, Bobcats Capture W Against Cardinals

The saying goes, "There is no 'I' in team" but people often joke by saying, "There is a 'me' though." While I have never really given this statement much thought beyond a quick laugh, after the Bobcats match-up against Ball State Saturday I realized it is so true!! The way I see it is everyone has an individual role on a team and each player is responsible for focusing in on that role. At the same time, each player is responsible for a role only because she is one piece of a larger puzzle that all comes together to produce the best product. If everyone buys into their roles, or their pieces of the puzzle, then the end goal will be accomplished.

Ohio did exactly that to capture a big W against the Cardinals. Da'Keisha Mann is still not playing because of a violation of team policy and Thia Gholson, one of Ohio's most powerful rebounders, missed the contest due to a back injury. It was time for the younger players to show that they were ready to step in and fill the gaps and wow did they execute! All but one player that stepped on to the floor scored a basket. The one that did not score, Lyles, was an absolute spark off the bench and caused significant havoc on defense. Bench players Maxine Ohakim, Carolyn Barnett and Danielle Woodmore were outstanding. Ohakim used her great size and strength to keep Ball State off the boards, Barnett once again was good for a few quick scores and steals and Woodmore used her unprecedented quickness to penetrate the gaps and open up shots for her seniors.

Speaking of the seniors...wow. Jennifer Bushby made the defense look silly. She played like she was straight from the "And1" commercials putting up a season high 23 points and seven rebounds. Her fellow senior Jenny Poff added 14. This was no easy win either. The ball game was tied six times and the lead changed nine times. Other than against Akron, this is the only time Ohio was able to finish down the stretch.

Remember when I got excited about 22 turnovers? How about 15 against Ball State!! Wahoo! Now, we can't get too excited because it was a game of two half court zone defenses so 15 isn't actually that great but hey we will take it! Next up is Western Michigan in Kalamazoo. Game starts Wednesday night at 7:00. You can tune in by visiting ohiobobcats.com. Until then, so long!

Fun Fact: Jennifer Bushby is only 14 points away from 1,000 at OU!

Go Bobcats!