Ohio Blows 18-Point Halftime Lead as They Fall to Buffalo

It seems as though Ohio finds new ways to lose every game. This time, Ohio blew an 18-point halftime lead at home as they lost to the University of Buffalo 73-68.

Everything went right for the Bobcats in the first half. They shot well and played lights out defense.

In the first half, Ohio shot 51.9% from the field while holding the Bulls to only 30.4% shooting. Nick Kellogg had a great start with 12 points early on and D.J. Cooper had 6 assists through one half of action.

All of this added together equaled an amazing start for Ohio as they led 43-25 entering halftime.

And to be honest, I thought the game was over.

But in the 2nd half, it appeared as if both teams switched jerseys.

It only took UB nine and a half minutes into the second half to get all the way back and tie up the game.

After UB tied the game, they quickly took the lead and never looked back. Ohio appeared scared and tentative with the ball and made many poor decisions late in the game.

D.J. Cooper appeared to be less aggressive than normal and passed up many opportunities to make a play late in the game.

With 41 seconds left in the second half, Ohio fouled UB guard Byron Mulkey to send him to the free throw line for a one and one opportunity.

Mulkey missed the front end of the one and one and Ohio grabbed the rebound with an opportunity to tie the game. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, D.J. Cooper turned the ball over and Ohio was forced to foul UB again.

This time, UB made both free throws and went on to win 73-68.

It was an embarrassing loss for Ohio and made even worse considering that it was on espnU and in front of a huge Dad's weekend crowd of 10,427.

Three Ohio players scored in double-digits with DeVaughn Washington and Nick Kellogg leading the way with 14 points apiece. D.J. Cooper added 8 assists.

For Buffalo, Zach Filzen and Javon McCrea had huge games scoring 23 and 21 points respectively. Mitchell Watt nearly had a double-double with 8 points and 8 assists.

Buffalo had 8 blocks in the game and were tough to penetrate against on defense.

After the first half in which Ohio led by 18 points, they were outscored by 23 points in the second half.

With the loss, Ohio falls to 8-11 (1-4) and next plays January 26th vs. Eastern Michigan.

Attendance: 10,427

Ohio's Record: 8-11 (1-4)

Next Game: January 26th vs. Eastern Michigan

Interesting Note: Ohio set a Convocation loss record for a season with their 8th home loss of the season

Key Stat: Buffalo shot 72% in the 2nd half