Our young Bobcats, after being taken down twice rather comfortably by Miami, gave them all they could handle in Cleveland before losing 69-66. Leading most of the game, the Cats lost their 2 top scorers to fouls, some of them clearly blown calls: Amani Burke early in the 3rd quarter and CeCe Hooks, early in the 4th.

Taylor Agler, the only senior, closed her career with a strong, gutsy effort, playing all 40 minutes and leading the team in points and assists. And congrats to Hooks for being named MAC freshman of the year, and Gabby Burris being named to the All MAC frosh team.

Next year, all but one return, including 2 frosh and 2 sophs who started this year. If they continue to develop, and find a way to play better down low, and not force shots, they will have a sweet run.

Go OHIO

Bob said postgame that this should give the girls a chip on their shoulder. Obviously, last year's team suffered this same fate, but the majority of those impact players are gone. You have more of a chip on your shoulder when you experience the lowest of lows. Next year the girls should be way more motivated.

In regards to the fouls on Amani and CeCe, yes, some bogus, but that's MAC officiating. I thought Taylor said it really well when she said in the postgame, "Our team is designed for the next person to step up always, so doesn't matter who fouls out, doesn't matter who's not healthy, we count on the next person to step up..."

Kudos to Miami though, finding ways to score, they'll graduate most of their height, which hurt Ohio since they're smaller (Reminder, Ohio is getting bigger next year). Miami returned the most minutes in the MAC this year. Overall, the MAC will take a step back next year.

Nobody really knew how this year was gonna go, and honestly, it went way better than I'm sure most expected. A MAC Freshman of the Year and another on the MAC Freshman team. Some other role players not getting enough credit (Agler, Barker, Doseck, Burke). A win at Purdue, pushing Michigan, CMU & UB. Game-winning lay-ups.

Just saying, nothing is more dangerous than a motivated Bob Boldon team.
It's been a real ball to be a part of.

Thanks Miami.