Rebounding Kills Ohio as They Fall to Kent State

Well, its very easy to point out Ohio's main weakness right now. REBOUNDING. On Saturday night, Ohio's lack of defensive rebounding cost them as they fell to Kent State 69-66.

The game was close throughout with Kent State possessing the largest lead at 10 points. The game entered halftime with Ohio down six points but still poised to win the game.

Kent State maintained the lead until midway through the second half.

That's when the game got its most competitive. From the 13:10 point of the 2nd half on, no team held a lead greater than three.

Ohio took the lead off of a DeVaughn Washington jumper with 4:44 remaining to go up 61-59. They upped there lead to three when Ivo Baltic hit a jumper with 2 minutes remaining to go ahead 66-63.

It appeared as though Ohio was in a good position to win the game but as we all know, anything can happen.

Ohio wasted there next few possessions and Kent State added a basket to get within one at 66-65.

After Cooper missed a jumper with 36 seconds remaining, Ohio committed a costly foul that put Carlton Guyton on the free throw line with a chance to give Kent State the lead.

Guyton made both free throws as Kent State went ahead 67-66 with 24 seconds remaining.

Then, before Ohio even had a chance to attempt for the lead, they turned the ball over and went behind by three with 10 seconds remaining.

Down by three with only 10 seconds remaining, DJ Cooper attempted two 3-pointers to tie the game but neither went in as Ohio went on to lose 69-66 in another disappointing loss.

The key to the game was rebounding. Ohio was out-rebounded by Kent State 38-25.

Kent State grabbed 18 offensive rebounds to Ohio's 15 defensive rebounds and allowed 14 second chance points to Kent State. These stats are embarrassing for Ohio and cost them in the end.

Despite the disappointing loss, life goes on and so does the Ohio University basketball season.

Ohio moves to 8-9 (1-2) with the loss and next plays January 19th at Bowling Green.

Attendance: 8,022

Ohio's Record: 8-9 (1-2)

Next Game: January 19th at Bowling Green

Key Fact: Kent State had 18 offensive rebounds to Ohio's 15 defensive rebounds

Interesting Note: Ohio just lost its 7th home game of the season