ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — D.J. Cooper scored 25 points and Ohio pulled away in the second half to defeat Delaware 88-69 Saturday in the season opener for both teams.
The Bobcats led only 35-33 at halftime, after shooting only 37 percent from the field (13 of 35). But they shot 56 percent in the second half (22 of 39), breaking free for 53 points.
Cooper made 10 of 17 shots from the field and added seven assists, as the Bobcats try to fill the void left by the graduation of last year’s leading scorer, Armon Bennett. Reggie Keely contributed a career-high 19 points and 11 rebounds for Ohio.
Even without Bennett, Ohio was voted most likely to win the conference in the 2010-11 MAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll as determined by a 24-member panel made up of media that cover the conference.
Devon Saddler led Delaware with 19 points and Jamelle Hagins added 13 points and 10 rebounds.
