OXFORD, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (11-18, 8-10 MAC) concluded the regular season with a 68-64 loss at Miami (9-20, 6-12 MAC) on Saturday, March 9.
 
Three Bobcats recorded a double figure point game led by junior Kennedi Watkins (Ballwin, Mo.) who scored a team-high 14 points in addition to grabbing a team-high six rebounds. Sophomore Jaya McClure (Louisville, Ky.) tallied 11 points and a team-high three assists. Redshirt junior Madi Mace (Parkersburg, W. Va.) finished with 10 points and five rebounds.
 
It was a slow start for the Bobcats as they struggled to find success on offense. After the first quarter, Miami led Ohio 17-7. Miami continued to dominate offensively, leading the Bobcats 33-17 at halftime.
 
Ohio's offensive effort improved in the third quarter in addition to the team's overall energy. The Bobcats outscored Miami in the third 21-18. McClure was a sharpshooter from the arc and freshman Laylay Fantroy (Palestine, Texas) earned several points for Ohio in the paint. Heading into the final quarter, Ohio trailed Miami 51-38.
 
From the start of the fourth quarter, Ohio faced aggressive play from the Redhawks. The Bobcats scored 27 points and made six steals as they sought out a comeback. With under a minute to go, Ohio trailed by seven points but a big three-pointer from junior Kate Dennis (Rockford, Ill.) cut Miami's lead to four. Despite the turnaround and hard fight by the Bobcats, Miami came away with a 68-64 win.
 
The Bobcats will be back in action at the 2024 Mid-American Conference Tournament on Wednesday, March 13 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Seeding and opponents will be announced following the conclusion of regular-season competition.
 
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