Led by 23 points from redshirt-sophomore forward Jason Carter, Ohio (12-14, 4-10 MAC) snapped a six-game losing streak, defeating Mid-American Conference East foe Bowling Green (19-8, 11-3 MAC), 97-87 in overtime, Friday night, inside the Convocation Center.
The guys in the huddle kept saying that we were going to get this one. TK making some plays in the open court late in the game when we needed a quick bucket was big. Jason makes a big shot and Gavin makes a big three. "
Phillips continued, "At the end of regulation and overtime, I thought we had some great defensive possessions. Our guys functioned well late in game, without me having the benefit of calling a timeout and talk them through it. It's a testament to their composure and poise."
Redshirt freshman forward Ben Vander Plas added 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists in his 32 minutes of work while junior guard Antonio Cowart, Jr added 10 points and two assists in his 25 minutes of work for Ohio.
"It brought a lot of joy back to the locker room," Carter said. "Losing can steal the joy out of the game and just being around each other sometimes. We've stuck together. When someone is having a down day, we have people to pick them up and we just try to keep that positive attitude, and it feels good to finally get it over with."
Four of five Bowling Green starters reached double figures, while Antwon Lillard came off the bench to add 14 points. Senior big man Demajeo Wiggins led the Bowling Green effort with a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Dylan Frye contributed 18 points, while Justin Turner and Caleb Fields registered 15 and 10, respectively.
The game was knotted 40-all at the half and Teyvion Kirk forced overtime on a drive with just over six seconds remaining. He later put the hosting 'Cats in front for good with a bucket at 2:16 of the extra session.