ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (6-22, 4-13 MAC) was defeated by Western Michigan (12-16, 8-9 MAC) on Wednesday, Mar. 5.
 
Senior Kennedi Watkins (Ballwin, Mo.) led the Bobcats with 15 points accompanied by three rebounds. Freshman Gigi Bower (Powell, Ohio) and sophomore Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) contributed nine points.  
 
The match began with the Bobcats getting the tip-off and followed by a layup from Watkins. A triple from graduate student Anyssa Jones (Westerville, Ohio) kicked off Ohio's momentum beyond the arc. A steal, drive and basket from Jones immediately followed by a three-point jumper by graduate student Aliah McWhorter (Cincinnati, Ohio) brought the Bobcats back to the surface after a few scoring lulls. After several back-and-forth points, Ohio trailed Western Michigan by one point, 21-20, at the end of the first quarter.
 
The second quarter began with a major scoring run by Ohio, starting with a three pointer by Bower. Tabeling contributed a steal and two layups along with two free throws. Senior Kate Dennis (Rockford, Ill.) and Watkins worked at the end of the quarter to pull the Bobcats ahead. A three-point shot from Dennis at 3:38 tied the score to 35-35. Ohio led Western Michigan 40-39 heading into the locker room.
 
The third quarter was a tough one for the Bobcats. The Broncos outscored Ohio 21-7 and led 60-47 at the end of the third quarter.
 
Ohio worked hard during the four quarter, but could not close in on the gap made by the Broncos in the third quarter. Western Michigan went on to win the game 75-56.
 
The Bobcats will be back in action at Ball State on Saturday, March 8. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
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