After last season's magical run through the MAC tournament and an unlikely rout of Georgetown in the 1st round of the NCAAs, I was excited to watch my Ohio Bobcats play postseason ball again. Unfortunately, the 9 point lead they had with 2:44 left against Ball State evaporated and the 'Cats lost in OT. No NCAA. No worries, there are other post-season tournaments. "What?" you say, "I didn't see Ohio U in the NIT field." Right you are. The College Basketball Invitation also passed on OU, choosing arch rival Miami instead, despite the RedHawks inferior win-loss record. Thank goodness for the CollegeInsider.com Tounament, last in the pecking order for the post-season. My Bobcats sneaked in as a visiting team and proceeded to knock off the home Marshall Thundering Herd, 65-64. In a back and foth struggle, DJ Cooper netted the last of his 10 (9 assists, 3 steals) with 90 seconds left for the game winner. Ohio's defense held strong despite allowing three offensive rebounds to Marshall on the ensuing possession and the 'Cats live to fight another day. DeVaughn Washington led the green and white with 17 (6 boards) and Reggie Keely snared 13 rebounds (10 points). In advancing to the seeded round, the 2011 Bobcats become the first team in school history to win postseason games in consecutive seasons. The victory was also OU's 11th in the postseason overall, the most in MAC history. The CIT has not yet announced the pairings for the second ound, but rest assured, as soon as I know, you will.
Speaking of the NIT (I know that was many words ago), Cleveland State won as well. The Vikings certainly made the victory over a Vermont team missing its leading scorer as exciting as possible, escaping 63-60. Norris Cole scored 27 of the 63, including 6 in the last 1:23. Cole made the go ahead basket and then added 4 free throws to seal the win. Vermont's coach likened Cole to the main scorers of two other schools that his team has played: Jimmer Fedette of BYU and UCONN's Kemba Walker. Nice company. Cole added 4 boards, 5 dimes and a pair of steals. Bruiser Aaron Pogue was the only other Viking in double figures (11 points, 8 rebounds). CSU will host the College of Charleston downtown on Friday, the same day that the big boys tournament tips off at the Q. Awesome.
Cheers.
