KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Ohio women's basketball team (3-10, 1-2 MAC) fell at Western Michigan (5-8, 2-1 MAC) 66-49 on Wednesday, Jan. 8.
 
Senior Kennedi Watkins (Ballwin, Mo.) led the team with 24 points; finishing 11-for-21 from the field. Watkins also recorded a team-high five rebounds and two steals. Sophomore Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) and freshman Gigi Bower (Powell, Ohio) both had a team-high three assists.
 
Ohio got off to a strong start, winning the tip and scoring quickly. However, the Bobcats' inadequate tempo allowed the Broncos to easily take control of the game. Western Michigan found success beyond the arc and was able to gain a decent lead over Ohio. Ohio regrouped after a timeout and was able shorten Western Michigan's lead. Watkins' ability to find scoring opportunities aided the Bobcats in their small comeback. The Bobcats trailed the Broncos 18-17 after the first quarter of play.
 
After almost four scoreless minutes for both team, Ohio's offense seemed to find its rhythm. The Bobcats went on an 11-0 scoring, taking a 30-20 lead over the Broncos. Ohio's defense also stepped up and made some major stops. In the final minutes of the half, the Bobcats struggled to finish the quarter, and the Broncos took their opportunity to shorten Ohio's lead. Ohio led Western Michigan 32-27 heading into the locker room.
 
Ohio finished the half shooting 50 percent from the field, 25 percent from the arc and 100 percent from the line. Western Michigan finished the half shooting 37 percent from the field, 20 percent from the arc and 60 percent from the line. The Bobcats outrebounded the Broncos 18-14.
 
The third quarter was dominated by Western Michigan. The Broncos came out strong and went on a long scoring run while denying Ohio any offensive opportunities. Ohio got on the board late in the quarter and was able to capitalize on a few opportunities. The Broncos led the Bobcats 47-39 heading into the final quarter of the game.
 
Western Michigan maintained control over the game in the fourth quarter and went on to defeat Ohio, 66-49.
 
The Bobcats will be back in action when they host Kent State on Saturday, Jan. 11. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
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