Central Michigan University
3-14,1-6MAC
Ohio
6-11,3-4MAC
Turnover bug bites Women’s Basketball, 68-58
1/24/2024 10:06:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Chippewas hold fourth-quarter lead for fourth time in six league losses; Bobcats profit off of 10 fourth-quarter turnovers by CMU
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - A hard-fought effort by Central Michigan Women's Basketball was quelled by Ohio on Wednesday, as the Bobcats took home a 68-58 win over the Chippewas.
The two teams shot nearly identically from the field, as they each made 21 field goals on the night and were only separated by one field goal attempt. However, it was the 33 turnovers that ultimately decided the game.
"It's been our Achilles heel all season," head coach Kristin Haynie said of turnovers. "And it's not like Ohio had a crazy denial, intense pressure defense. 34 points off our turnovers is obviously why we lost the game."
CMU was competitive in the game into the fourth quarter despite the turnover margin. The Chippewas' last lead was with 7:22 left in the game, and never trailed by double digits until less than two minutes remained.
While they managed to stay neck-and-neck with the Bobcats for much of the game, the fourth quarter saw CMU's offense run out of gas.
"We only (had) seven shots in the fourth quarter," Haynie said. "That's probably a record too. That's crazy. So we got to watch the film with them, they got to watch it. I told them to watch it tonight so they can see what (went wrong)."
Trailing by just three at half and heading into the fourth quarter tied, the Chippewas' offense was largely effective when it took care of the ball. CMU shot close to 50% on the night and converted on 78% of its free throws - an issue that has been present in previous games this season.
"Shooting almost 45% (is a positive)," Haynie said. "We've been shooting (around) 37%, and free throws were 78% which is good. I wish we got there a little more but it's a good positive to take away from this game."
The Chippewas relied heavily on rebounding and hustle to keep themselves. Astoundingly, they outrebounded Ohio 41-16.
"Rebounding is effort and attitude," Haynie said. "So we always talk about how we can control that. We can control rebounding. And that was one of our keys, was to dominate the boards. Unfortunately with the turnovers, rebounding didn't help us. We just have to continue to stay consistent with the rebounding and with our effort for the future."
Junior guard Karrington Gordon continued her strong conference play with a team-leading 14 points on an efficient 5-for-7 shooting performance. She also swiped a team-high three steals.
Elsewhere, graduate center Rochelle Norris offered her usual steady presence by leading the team in rebounding with nine, and chipping in an additional five points. Sophomore guard Taylor Anderson provided 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line.
Next up, CMU will welcome rival Western Michigan to McGuirk Arena on Saturday (Jan. 27) for an afternoon showdown with the Broncos. The game will tip off at 1 p.m. ET.
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