Ohio secured a crucial 94-69 victory over Western Michigan on Tuesday night at home to snap its recent two-game losing steak and keep its postseason hopes alive. Star senior forward AJ Clayton made his return after missing the last three games and played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring a team-high 18 points for Ohio (12-10, 6-4 MAC).
Western Michigan (7-15, 4-6 MAC) hoped to extend its winning streak to three games, but a poor offensive night hurt its chances. The Broncos shot 39.1% from the floor and 16.7% from 3.
Western Michigan was on the board early, with Clayton missing his first three shots, although his defensive presence was impactful from tipoff. Ohio head coach Jeff Boals was cautious and paced Clayton’s return with frequent benches.
Ohio tied the game quickly, 5-5. The Bobcats excelled in the coast-to-coast game, scoring 23 of their 94 total points in fast-break situations. As Ohio went on a 10-point run, the game flowed through its best players, as they easily scored from the mid-range. Ohio’s Jackson Paveletzke notched nine points, eight assists and nine rebounds for Ohio.
Vic Searls looked more comfortable this game, especially with his role coming off of the bench, going 4 of 4 in the game with an early 3-pointer. But AJ Brown had Ohio’s most impressive bucket, a falling backward behind the back layup while being fouled.
Once Ohio obtained a lead, there was no slowing down its offense. The slow offense came from Western Michigan, which could not score from most areas of the floor. The Broncos’ most successful shots came from driving to the basket and scoring or drawing fouls. Unfortunately, their game plan didn’t consist of this offensive shot diet.
While Ohio’s defense looked better with Clayton, Western Michigan struggled to hit a shot from distance all night. At the end of the half, they averaged 29.6% from the field and 11.1% from 3.
Ohio shot 63% from the field and 52.9% from 3 in the first half.
The second half started with an 8-0 Western Michigan’s run, consisting of two lobs, before Ohio’s Shereef Mitchell ended it with a drive to the basket. Western Michigan chipped away at the lead, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Ohio’s energy and offensive variety.
Offensive miscommunications from Western Michigan defined the game, with players often unable to reach their spots, with shotty passing outside Western Michigan guard Chansey Willis Jr.
When Clayton got touches, he slowed the game down to his pace.
At 4:15, Western Michigan had hit their second 3-pointer of the game when it was far out of their reach.
Ohio’s AJ Brown finished the game with an efficient 17 points, and as a team shooting 60% from the field and 50% from 3.
If ’empty points’ were a statistic, Western Michigan would have plenty. They realized rim finishing was their greatest strength against Ohio too late, and couldn’t pray a shot into the basket, fishing with 39% from the field and almost 17% from 3.
“We’re really proud of our guys coming off of a tough loss in Miami,” Boals said.
Ohio plays Appalachian State in a non-conference matchup for the MAC-SBC Challenge at 2 p.m. ET Saturday at home. The game will be on ESPN+.
Western Michigan hosts Georgia Southern at 1 p.m. ET Saturday at 1 p.m. EST on ESPN+.
