Sports

Ohio Men’s Basketball Returns Home For Matchup With Arkansas-Pine Bluff


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Tuesday night marks a home matchup between the Ohio men’s basketball team and Arkansas-Pine Bluff as the Bobcats (1-1, 0-0) will play host to the Golden Lions (1-4, 0-0).

The Bobcats are coming off a loss in their first road game of the season. They fell to Florida Gulf Coast 79-62, and will be looking to rebound in a big way back on their home court. UAPB is also coming off of a loss, one to Central Michigan by a 75-43. Score, the Golden Lions’ second loss in a row.

“This game is all about handling traps, and all about handling pressure,” Ohio head coach Saul Phillips said. “They are a very good team at turning you over.”

The Golden Lions like to put a lot of pressure on the ball and look to force turnovers. They average nine steals a game, but aren’t always able to convert off those turnovers. The Bobcats will need senior guards Stevie Taylor and Javarez “Bean” Willis to handle that pressure and take care of the ball.

Ohio will finally be back at full strength, after Willis and junior forward Treg Setty each missed a game to suspension. Setty’s absence was felt during the loss to FGCU, but he will be back in the rotation for the Bobcats against the Golden Lions.

The Green and White will be kicking off a four-game home stand, where they will look to continue to get a grasp of Phillips’ system. The first-year coach has brought a new style of play to Ohio, and the team should benefit from the time at home.

“The important thing is that you go about preparing yourself for conference play, and ultimately the conference tournament,” Phillips said. “These guys can teach us something that will help us later on.”

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at the Convo.