Ohio Look to End Losing Streak Against Portland in Myrtle Beach.
Ohio Bobcats Look to End Losing Streak Against Portland Pilots in Myrtle Beach Invitational Consolation Round
The Ohio Bobcats (1-4) will look to break their three-game losing streak when they take on the Portland Pilots (2-3) in the consolation round of the Myrtle Beach Invitational on Friday morning. The game is set for 11:30 AM ET at The HTC Center, where both teams will aim to rebound after narrow losses in their previous outings. With the Bobcats struggling to find their rhythm and the Pilots aiming to recover from a tough defeat, this game will be crucial for both teams as they look to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Ohio Bobcats: Hoping to Snap Their Slump
After a heartbreaking 83-81 overtime loss to Middle Tennessee State, the Bobcats are now on a three-game losing skid and will be looking to secure only their second win of the season. Ohio, which has averaged 76.3 points per game this season, came close to snapping their losing streak but ultimately fell short in a high-scoring affair. Despite their offensive firepower, the Bobcats have struggled defensively, allowing an alarming 85.8 points per game — a weakness they’ll need to address if they hope to turn things around against Portland.
In the loss to Middle Tennessee State, Ohio’s offense was led by AJ Brown, who scored 19 points and grabbed four rebounds. AJ Clayton also had a strong outing, recording 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Jackson Paveletzke chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds. While their offensive production has been solid, Ohio will need to tighten up their defense, as they allowed 83 points to Middle Tennessee and have struggled to stop opponents all season long.
The Bobcats’ shooting has also been inconsistent. Against Middle Tennessee, they shot 40.3% from the field and a disappointing 20.7% from beyond the arc. Ohio’s ability to convert from long range will be an area of concern as they face a Portland team that has also shown defensive vulnerabilities.
Portland Pilots: Aiming to Bounce Back from Setback
Portland will be looking to recover from a 74-68 loss to South Florida, a game in which they fell short despite a valiant effort. The Pilots enter this matchup with a 2-3 record, averaging 67.3 points per game. In their loss to South Florida, Portland struggled offensively, shooting just 36.7% from the field and 29.6% from three-point range. Like Ohio, the Pilots will need to improve their shooting efficiency to have a better chance against the Bobcats.
Max Mackinnon led Portland with 17 points and eight rebounds in the loss to South Florida, while Vincent Delano contributed 14 points. Austin Rapp added 11 points and eight rebounds, showing that the Pilots have a balanced offensive attack. However, Portland’s shooting struggles are something they will need to address as they face Ohio’s porous defense.
On the defensive side, Portland has also been giving up 76.3 points per game, so they will need to make significant improvements if they hope to contain Ohio’s high-scoring offense. The Pilots allowed 74 points in their recent loss, which further highlights the need for better defensive execution in this matchup.
Conclusion
This game presents an interesting contrast between two teams trying to recover from early-season struggles. Ohio has shown they can score in bunches, but their inability to get stops has plagued them. Portland, while defensively weak, has had flashes of strong offensive play, but their shooting inconsistency could be their downfall.
Ultimately, Ohio’s higher-scoring potential and offensive depth give them the slight edge in this matchup. However, with both teams struggling to defend, expect a high-scoring affair. Ohio should be able to capitalize on Portland’s defensive lapses and snap their losing streak in a close contest.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As theOhio U and Portland battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
