As the reigning Mid-American Conference champions, the Bobcats have said repeatedly this season that regaining that championship form will be a process.
It appears, however, that Ohio has already found a level of championship defense.
The Bobcats, with a mixture of double-teams, ball pressure and fronting in the post, confounded and vexed visiting Ball State in the Convo on Wednesday night. Ohio hammered the Cardinals with defense, then landed a fourth-quarter knock-out punch to win 73-48.
“It’s a process all over again,” said senior forward Lexie Baldwin, who tallied 14 points, nine rebounds and four steals.