ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (4-14, 2-6 MAC) earned a 69-59 victory over Eastern Michigan (1-17, 0-8 MAC) on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The game served as Ohio's Turn It Gold event in support of childhood cancer awareness. "We got the chance to play for something bigger than ourselves, and our players did a great job of that today," head coach Bob Boldon said.

This victory also celebrated Coach Boldon's 200th win at Ohio. "I'm happy that we won and will be grateful looking back on this moment," Boldon said. "I have a lot of kindhearted and selfless staff, and we all work hard to make our players succeed."

Senior Kennedi Watkins (Ballwin, Mo.) was recognized before the game for reaching the 1,000-point career milestone in Ohio's previous contest against Buffalo.

Sophomore Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) recorded her first career double-double with a team-high 21 points and career-best 10 rebounds. Tabeling finished 7-of-14 from the field, 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-8 from the free-throw line. Tabeling also tallied a team-high four steals and three assists.

Watkins contributed 15 points, with 5 field goals, 2 three-pointers, and 3 free throws. Graduate student Anyssa Jones (Westerville, Ohio) added 12 points and three rebounds.

Eastern Michigan led for most of the first half before Ohio tied the game. The Bobcats surged ahead with a three pointer from graduate student Aliah McWhorter (Cincinnati, Ohio) in the second quarter. Ohio then extended its lead as Tabeling hit two free throws and a three-pointer, sending the Bobcats to a 35-25 advantage at halftime.

In the third quarter, Ohio's lead grew to 42-25 after a three-pointer from senior Kate Dennis (Rockford, Ill.). A layup by Jones cut the lead to 46-36, but Tabeling answered with a steal and another three-pointer to push Ohio's lead back to 11 points.

The Bobcats continued to build their lead in the fourth quarter, with a layup from Watkins keeping Ohio ahead, 61-50. Watkins added a twist layup and a three-pointer to seal the victory.
Ohio finished the game with 31 total rebounds, 14 assists, and 11 steals, while Eastern Michigan had 37 rebounds, 16 assists, and 7 steals.

"We continue to work harder and aren't willing to give up. Being able to see our work pay off feels great," Jones said.

The Bobcats will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 29, when they host Ball State. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.

#OUohyeah