AKRON, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (11-17, 8-9 MAC) clinched its spot in the 2024 Mid-American Conference Tournament with a 72-63 victory at Akron (10-18, 5-12 MAC) on Wednesday, March 6.
 
The team shot 46.9 percent from the field, 46.7 percent from the arc and 73.1 percent from the line. Ohio grabbed a total of 34 rebounds, distributed 12 assists and earned 11 steals.
 
Junior Kennedi Watkins (Ballwin, Mo.) led the Bobcats in scoring with a career-high 24 points; finishing eight-for-15 from the field, two-for-three from the arc and six-for-six from the line. Watkins also recorded five rebounds, three steals and two assists.
 
Sophomore Jaya McClure (Louisville, Ky.) was also a top performer for Ohio as she earned 16 points, four rebounds and a team-high three assists.
 
On the boards, senior Bengisu Alper (Istanbul, Turkey) led the Bobcats with a team-high six rebounds.
 
The scoring got off to a slow start for both teams, but Ohio was able to create multiple opportunities off solid defensive stops. The Bobcats finished the first quarter with 11 rebounds, nine on defense, and three steals. After 10 minutes, Ohio led Akron 15-9 behind six points from Watkins.
 
The second quarter started off strong for the Bobcats as they forced a four-minute scoring drought from Akron. However, too many turnovers and inability to finish on offense plagued Ohio in the second half of the quarter. This allowed Akron to make a big comeback and challenge Ohio's lead. Heading into the locker room, the Bobcats held a 29-26 lead over the Zips.
 
Ohio and Akron went back-and-forth throughout the third quarter. The Bobcats were challenged as they fought to regain their lead. After a couple missteps, Ohio found its groove and pulled away slightly from the Zips. With less than a minute to go, the Bobcats maintained a 10-point lead over Akron. Ohio was up 53-43 heading into the final quarter of the game.
 
It was an exciting fourth quarter as both teams displayed a lot of energy and intensity. With 19 points, five steals and six rebounds in the final 10 minutes of play, the Bobcats solidified their 72-63 win over Akron.
 
The Bobcats will be back in action at Miami for their regular-season finale on Saturday, March 9. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
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