MAC Reporter online takes a look at where the teams are now – with an eye, on the future, as well.
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Head coach: Saul Phillips (Fourth Season)
Preseason Media/Coaches Poll position: Third, MAC East
Preseason Media/Coaches All-MAC Team members: Jordan Dartis and Jason Carter
NOTES:
>>>>> The Bobcats eclipsed 20 wins again last year, finishing 20-11 overall with an 11-7 MAC record. Ohio reached the MAC semi-finals before losing to Kent State on a late shot.
>>>>> OU won three of its last four non-conference games. The only loss was in overtime (99-96) to rival Marshall. Other losses were to Clemson, Dayton, Iona and Maryland.
>>>>> The Bobcats put in a long day at the office Nov. 19 when they went four overtimes to defeat Indiana State 96-94.
>>>>> Ohio enjoyed quite a bit of home cooking, playing 10 of 12 non-conference games in Athens.
>>>>> Four Bobcats average double figures, with another just under 10. Mike Laster, a 6-5 senior guard, leads the way with 15.8 ppg and has converted 49.3 percent of his shots from the field.
Jordan Dartis averages 14.6 ppg, while Teyvion Kirk is at 14.3 ppg. Senior forward Kevin Mickle contributes 11.6 ppg and junior guard Gavin Block adds 9.8 points per outing.
>>>>> Junior forward Doug Taylor (6-9, 264) leads the Bobcats and ranks fourth (MAC) in rebounding with an average of 8.3 boards per game.
>>>>> As a team, Ohio is 11th in rebounding margin (-0.6). The ‘Cats are last in offensive boards (9.1 per game) and first in defensive rebounds (29.9 per game).
>>>>> Ohio is connecting on 74.4 percent of its free throws (4th MAC)
>>>>> The ‘Cats are hitting 44.3 percent from the field (ninth MAC) and holding opponents to 41.7 percent (second MAC). Ohio is first in 3-point defense (30.8%).