A valiant comeback effort falls short as the ladies lose to a strong JMU team 69-62. Down 17 points in the 2nd half, the Cats launch a massive rally to cut it to 1 with just over a minute left. JMU is now 8-1 with a signature win against no. 23 UCLA with their only loss to no. 10 Maryland.

The Cats were well prepared by the coaching staff for this one, with nine players playing tenacious defense throughout, helping create 18 turnovers. They showed things the men’s team (who were watching in the stands) hasn’t done this season - they played focused, and with heart and effort. If the outside shooting was a bit better (6 for 23 from 3, way below their average), this could have been a big win. Precious Hall for JMU, was fun to watch, a smooth pure shooter, one of the best players I’ve seen in the Convo in some time, scoring 23, one short of her average. And Lauren Okafor was too much to handle, the big 6’3’ center with 18 boards, half on the offensive side, leading to many putbacks. Their talent though was exceeded by their attitude and cockiness. It would have been nice to take them down.First half offense by Lampkins and 2nd half by Black kept Ohio in the game.

The Cats were missing one of their point guards, Yamonie Jenkins, and also have been playing without their only legitimate size player, soph. Destini Cooper who hasn’t played this year while averaging 25 minutes per game as a frosh. Mich. State transfer Mariah Harris became eligible and played her 1st 15 minutes. When they get all pieces together, this team may make some noise in the MAC this year, and in the future. Bobcat Ladies basketball is on the rise.

Next up, Georgia State tourney in Atlanta Friday, playing La Salle.

Yes, Karlis is a a wing player, a shooter. Witherspoon has length but she's not big like Cooper. Fun to watch both players developing.