ATHENS (AP) — Walter Offutt scored 17 points to lead Ohio in a 71-63 win over Kennesaw State on Friday night, tying the Bobcats best start ever.

Ohio matched its all-time mark of 12-1 to begin the season set by the 1939-40 and 1920-21 squads.

It was the ninth straight win for the Bobcats, who have now held their opponents to below 70 points in six consecutive games.

Ohio had 12 steals, including four by Nick Kellogg, in forcing 16 Kennesaw State turnovers. The Bobcats scored 22 points off the miscues.

Ivo Baltic scored 15 points and D.J. Cooper and Kellogg chipped in 14 apiece for Ohio. Cooper also had seven assists.

The Owls (3-10) were led by Markeith Cummings and Delbert Love with 19 points each. Spencer Dixon added 14 points for Kennesaw State, which played for the first time ever in the state of Ohio.