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ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio women's basketball took the court for their home opener on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 20), in front of fans for the first time since the 2019-20 season. The Bobcats (2-2) cruised to a victory against Mercyhurst (0-4), 90-46, behind 21 points from both Cece Hooks and Erica Johnson, while freshman guard Yaya Felder took advantage of her first career start, scoring 10 points, dishing out three assists, and grabbing eight rebounds. Along with her 21 points, Hooks added three rebounds and four steals, while Johnson brought in seven rebounds and recorded three steals. Gabby Burris was the fourth Bobcat who scored double figures, with 10 points alongside seven rebounds. 

"It was nice to be back," head coach Bob Boldon said after the game. "The energy in front of the fans, from the few I talked to, it seemed like they were very excited to be back. I know our players were excited to have them back. It was good."

Spearheaded by Hooks, the Ohio offense started the game quickly, jumping out to a 13-2 lead with 5:54 left in the first quarter. The Bobcats recorded a largest lead of 13 points twice in the quarter, before ending the frame leading the Lakers 21-20. 

Ohio's defense made their presence felt in the second quarter, holding the Lakers to just nine points on 2 for 11 shooting. Mercyhurst made their first field goal of the second quarter with 2:14 remaining before halftime, allowing the Bobcats to extend their lead to 41-15 at that point. Ohio headed into halftime with a 45-19 advantage.

The Bobcats finished the first half having shot 51.7% from the field (15 for 29) and 57.1% from beyond the arc (4 for 7), with Johnson being the leading scorer with 14 points. Ohio's defense forced 15 first-half turnovers, and converted those takeaways into 18 points. 

Ohio continued to extend their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers in the frame 24-18 to extend their overall lead to 69-37 heading into the final 10 minutes of play. It was a balanced offensive attack for the Bobcats in the third quarter, with six different players scoring, led by Hooks with eight points and Johnson with seven. 

The 4th quarter gave Boldon an opportunity to rest several players that typically play significant minutes, as the Bobcats finished out the game by holding the Lakers to just 9 points in the frame, with Ohio finishing the game up 90-46.

The Bobcats as a team shot 50% from the field (30 for 60) and 33.3% from deep (8 for 24). The defensive effort for Ohio included holding the Lakers to 30.7% shooting overall (15 for 49), and forcing a total of 27 turnovers. 

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