by CLEVELAND, Ohio–Cleveland State was able to hold a lead for just 22 seconds Saturday night, ultimately falling to Ohio University, 67-56 in the team’s home opener.
“Obviously the outcome wasn’t where we wanted it to be but I am proud of my guys, it was an unbelievable environment that I thought will continue to grow from,” Cleveland State head coach Dennis Gates said. “I don’t believe in losses, I think our last two opponents we learned some lessons and it gives us an opportunity to see who we are and also learn from. Ultimately they become losses if we don’t learn from those lessons.”
Last season the Bobcats defeated the Vikings 101-46 and with the win Saturday night, it pushes the all-time series record to 14-2 in favor of the Bobcats.
Ohio really started to take control of the game after just the second media timeout to start the first half. The Bobcats knocked down a slew of 3-pointers and transition points that started to separate themselves from the Vikings.
The lead got as high as 16 points for the Bobcats in the first half but the Vikings inched their way back with a 7-0 run led by Craig Beaudion and Broc Finstuen. Despite the early run, the Vikings trailed by double digits most of the first half, connecting on just one 3-pointer compared to seven from Ohio.
Beaudion injured his left ankle after a chase-down block in the closing minutes of the first half, a loss that was felt by the Vikings as they trailed 35-25 at halftime.
“It was a high ankle sprain to my knowledge,” Gates said about the injury. “But he just pretty much came down on it.”
The senior guard ended the night with five points in 13 minutes of action. Broc Finstuen finished with a team-high 14 points and five rebounds coming off the bench.
He’s been a big spark for the Vikings early on and will look to continue to play a pivotal role within the offense, especially with Beaudion out with an injury.
“Broc Finstuen played against Gonzaga two straight years four times a year…What you’re seeing is him being able to navigate against NCAA tournament teams,” Gates said. “But ultimately he’s showing you the value because he doesn’t need the basketball in his hand, he just knows how to make the right plays in that situation and environment.”
The Vikings continued to struggle to take command of the offense and get on a series of runs in the second half. Just like in the first half, Cleveland State missed open looks from behind the arc and ultimately dug themselves into a hole too late into the game.
Ohio University was able to knock down 12-of-31 three-pointers while Cleveland State made just 4-of-19. It’s something Gates and his staff isn’t panicking on and will continue to develop into an efficient shooting team.
“We’re a better team than that, I think we’re an eight, nine threes a game type of team,” Gates said. “When you look at the shots we got…those are things that we have to execute on and the more we see it, the more it will prepare us for the future.”
For the Bobcats, guard Mark Sears paced the offense with 15 points and four assists. Miles Brown had 10 points along with nine from Ben Vander Plas. Ohio had 17 bench points during the win, with four points coming from Cleveland native Tommy Schmock.
The Findlay transfer was all over the ball, playing well on both ends while bringing an added spark to the team during the win.
“I thought our bench was really good,” head coach Jeff Boals said. “Tommy Schmock is a winner, he comes from a great program. He’s won at a high level and we feel very fortunate to have him, an extra ball handler. I think we had 22 assists on 24 baskets. He’s going to help us win a lot of games.”
With the loss, the Vikings drop to 0-2 on the year. They’ll be back in action on Nov. 16 as they host Edinboro in a non-conference game.
