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Print This StoryOhio University (1-0) At Austin Peay (1-1)
GAME NOTES: The Ohio University Bobcats pull into Clarksville, Tennessee for a non-conference tilt with the Austin Peay Governors at the Dunn Center. Ohio has been away from the hardwood since November 16th when it defeated William & Mary, 74-55, to open it 2008-09 campaign. With a win tonight, the Bobcats will open a season 2-0 for the fifth consecutive year. As for Austin Peay, it notched a thrilling 86-84 victory over Belmont with a pair of free throws with just 0.2 seconds left on the clock on Monday night, rebounding the club from an opening loss at Evansville. The Governors now sit an even 1-1 on the young season. Tonight's tilt marks just the second meeting all-time between these two squads, and the first in more than 50 years. Ohio leads the series, 1-0.
Ohio converted 49.1 percent of its attempts from the floor in the win over William & Mary, including a solid 8-of-13 effort from beyond the arc. The Bobcats forced 19 turnovers and out-rebounded the Tribe by a slim 31-29 margin. Jerome Tillman posted 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead OU in the win, while Tommy Freeman tallied 18 points. Justin Orr chipped in 16 points to go with five boards off the bench. New head coach John Groce has his hands full in his first season with the Bobcats, as the club must replace some major scoring production. Tillman averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game a year ago, but the departure of Leon Williams drops a load of pressure on the forward. Orr will be expected to lend a hand, but he was inconsistent at times on the floor last year and will need to find a rhythm fast.
Drake Reed hit two free throws with 0.2 seconds left to play on Monday night, as Austin Peay notched its first win of the season. The Governors shot an impressive 52.4 percent from the field, including 9-of-18 from beyond the arc and they went 11-of-13 at the charity stripe as well. Wes Channels led the way with a game-high 25 points to go with five assists, while Drake Reed tallied 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. The Govs were solid at the defensive end of the court as well, forcing 19 turnovers and winning the battle on the boards by a 34-31 margin. Reed leads the club in scoring thus far, averaging 18.5 ppg to go with 6.5 rpg. Channels and Caleb Brown are also scoring in double digits as well, tallying 15.5 and 13.0 ppg, respectively.
Ohio has just one returning starter in its backcourt, so the Bobcats will need time to find a niche' for its young players. Austin Peay, however, has experience and the homecourt advantage on its side here, so look to the Govs to take care of business here.
Predicted OutcomeAustin Peay 84, Ohio University 67Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
