ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (10-5, 4-1 MAC) is set to host Northern Illinois (3-13, 1-4 MAC) on Saturday, Jan. 17 in the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
SCOUTING NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Northern Illinois currently has a 3-13 overall and 1-4 conference record heading into its game at Ohio.
 
The Huskies average 54.1 PPG; shooting 36.5 percent from the field, 26.2 percent from the arc and 66.9 percent from the line. NIU averages 32.3 rebounds, 9.6 assists, 7.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. The Huskies have forced 14.1 turnovers per game.
 
NIU's opponents average 68.8 PPG; shooting 42.3 percent from the field, 35.6 percent from the arc and 70.9 percent from the line. Opponents average 38.3 rebounds, 14.2 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game. Opponents have forced NIU to give up 17.6 turnovers per game.
 
SCOUTING OHIO
Ohio currently has a 10-5 overall and 4-1 conference record heading into its game with Northern Illinois.
 
The Bobcats average 74.7 PPG; shooting 40.5 percent from the field, 31.1 percent from the arc and 65.4 percent from the line. The team averages 37.1 rebounds, 13.6 assists, 12.6 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. The Bobcats have forced 21.3 turnovers per game and average 20.6 points off turnovers.
 
Ohio's opponents average 70.6 PPG; shooting 39.7 percent from the field, 31.6 percent from the arc and 67.4 percent from the line. Opponents average 42.5 rebounds, 15.4 assists, 6.9 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. Opponents have forced Ohio to give up 16.7 turnovers per game and average 16.9 points off turnovers.
 
LAST TIME VS NORTHERN ILLINOIS
The two teams last met during the 2024-25 season when the Bobcats defeated the Huskies, 74-70.
 
ALL TIME VS NORTHERN ILLINOIS
Ohio leads NIU in the two teams' all-time series, 26-23. The Bobcats have won six of the teams' last 10 meetings.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Ohio women's basketball team (10-5, 4-1 MAC) fell to Kent State (7-10, 2-4 MAC) 71-68 on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
 
Ohio shot 44.2 percent from the field, 31.0 percent from the arc and 72.2 percent from the line. The Bobcats recorded 24 rebounds, 11 assists, 13 steals and five blocks.
 
Redshirt sophomores Bella Ranallo (Lake Forest, Ill.) and Monica Williams (Indianapolis, Ind.) led the team with 12 points each. Ranallo shot 4-for-8 from the field, 2-for-6 from the arc and 2-for-3 from the line. Williams shot 2-for-6 from the field, 1-for-4 from the arc and -for-9 from the line.
 
Junior Asiah Baxter (Indianapolis, Ind.) led the team in rebounding with seven boards. Junior Bailey Tabeling tallied a team-high five steals and four assists. Tabeling and junior Antonicia Moultrie (Nassau, Bahamas) led the team in blocks with two each.
 
Ohio kicked off the game with a solid first quarter. Shooting played in big part in the first 10 minutes of play. The Bobcats shot 69.2 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from the arc while Kent State shot 33.3 percent from both. Success from the three-point line helped Ohio earn a 25-18 lead over Kent State at the end of the first quarter.
 
Kent State significantly outscored Ohio in the second quarter, 21-11. The Golden Flashes took their first lead of the game, 28-27, with 6:54 left on the clock. Kent State extended its lead to eight points. Ohio battled back and cut Kent State's lead to three points. Heading into the locker room, Ohio trailed Kent State 39-36.
 
The final two quarters were close battles. The Bobcats outscored the Golden Flashes 21-20 in the third quarter while Kent State outscored Ohio 12-11 in the fourth. Ohio's main struggle was with rebounding. In the second half, Kent State outrebounded Ohio 24-13.
 
Despite their efforts, the Bobcats were unable comeback against the Golden Flashes. Kent State defeated Ohio 71-68.
 
BAILEY TABELING: YEAR THREE
Ohio's standout player Bailey Tabeling is playing her third season with the Bobcats. Tabeling has been a vital player for Ohio's offense since her freshman season. The junior finished her first season (2023-24) with 260 points (8.7 PG); shooting 45.8 percent from the field, 40.9 percent from the arc and 76.1 percent from the line. In her second season (2024-25), Tabeling recorded an impressive 361 points (12.4) and led the team in rebounds, assists and steals.
 
Tabeling is a threat in the paint, at the free throw line and especially beyond the arc. The junior currently leads the team with 201 points (13.4 PG); shooting 38.4 percent from the field, 30.3 percent from the arc and 75.0 percent from the line. Tabeling has recorded nine double-figure point games this season including three 20 + point games. She has led the team in multriple statistical categories throughout multiple games this season.
 
BELLA RANALLO: FROM CLEMSON TO OHIO
Redshirt sophomore Bella Ranallo joined the Bobcats after spending two seasons at Clemson. Prior to Ohio, Ranallo had only played nine minutes across seven games. Since her arrival to Athens, Ranallo has become a top performer for the Bobcats at the point. She has recorded 171 points (11.4 PG), 52 rebounds (3.5 PG), 24 assists and 31 steals. Ranallo has started and played in all 15 games, averaging 25.7 minutes per games.
 
WELCOME BACK, MONICA WILLIAMS
After missing majority of the 2024-25 season due to an injury, redshirt sophomore Monica Williams is back to being a top player for the Bobcats. Williams has played in 14 games and compiled 270 minutes played (19.3 PG). Coming off the bench this season, she has recorded 102 points (7.3 PG), 42 rebounds (3.0 PG), 30 assists (2.1 PG), 24 steals and five blocks. Williams has recorded four double-figure points games this season. She has led the team in assists in two games and in steals in five games this season.
 
GARNETT SISTERS, A FAMILY AFFAIR
Graduate student Elli Garnett is capping off her college career in the best way, with her sister as her coach. Elli is the younger sister former player and current assistant coach, Abby Garnett (2018-2023). Abby is in her second season as an assistant coach at Ohio.
 
Elli joined the Bobcats after previously playing at Nicholls State. During the the 2025-26 season, Elli has been an impactful player for Ohio. Elli has started and played in 14 games, averaging 21.6 minutes per game. Elli currently has 102 points (7.3 PG), 62 rebounds (4.4), 25 assists, 13 steals and four blocks. 
 
IN-SEASON INDIVIDUAL & TEAM ACCOLADES
MAC SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK:
   Bailey Tabeling (Tuesday, Jan. 7) - Sport Management, 3.502 GPA
 
TEAM STATISTICAL CATEGORY LEADERS (TOP 3)
Points: Bailey Tabeling (201/13.4 PG), Bella Ranallo (171/11.4 PG), Asiah Baxter (132/8.8 PG)
FG Made: Bailey Tabeling (66), Bella Ranallo (53), Aliah McWhorter (48)
3PT Made: Bailey Tabeling (36), Bella Ranallo (23), Gigi Bower (19)
FT Made: Bella Ranallo (42), Monica Williams (36), Danni Scully (34)
Rebounds: Asiah Baxter (81/5.4 PG), Elli Garnett (62/4.4 PG), Bailey Tabeling (59/3.9 PG)
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (48), Monica Williams (30), Elli Garnett (25)
Blocks: Aliah McWhorter (8), Antonicia Moultrie (8), Asiah Baxter (6), Bailey Tabeling (5), Monica Williams (5)
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (35), Bella Ranallo (31), Monica Williams (24)
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (454/30.3 PG), Asiah Baxter (414/27.6 PG), Bella Ranallo (386/25.7 PG)
 
TOP 25 NCAA STATISTICAL RANKINGS (THRU GAMES ON 1/14)
TEAM RANKINGS:
   Three Point Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 6th (29.8 PG)
   Three Pointers Per Game: Ohio, 16th (9.3 PG)
   Free Throw Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 10th (24.07 PG)
   Free Throws Made Per Game: Ohio, 21st (15.73 PG)
   Steals Per Game : Ohio, 18th (12.6 PG)
 
MAC STATISTICAL RANKINGS (THRU GAMES ON 1/14)
TEAM RANKINGS (TOP 5):
   Points Per Game (Offense): Ohio, 2nd (74.7 PPG)
   Scoring Margin: Ohio, 5th (4.1)
   3PT Percentage: Ohio, 5th (.311)
   3PT FG Made: Ohio, 2nd (139)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Ohio, 1st (9.3)
   FT Made: Ohio, 5th (236)
   Defensive Rebounds Per Game: Ohio, 5th (25.2 PG)
   Turnover Margin: Ohio, 2nd (+4.60)
   Opponent Turnovers: Ohio, 2nd (320)
   Opponent Turnovers Per Game: Ohio, 1st (21.3 PG)
   Assist/Turnover Ratio: Ohio, 5th (0.81)
   Blocks: Ohio, 5th (47)
   Blocks Per Game: Ohio, 4th (3.13)
   Steals: Ohio, 1st (189)
   Steals Per Game: Ohio, 1st (12.60 PG)
 
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (TOP 10):
   3PT FG Percentage :
Monica Williams, 1st (.467)
Asiah Baxter, 4th (.450)
   3PT FG Made: Bailey Tabeling, 3rd (36)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Bailey Tabeling, 2nd (2.4)
   Assist/Turnover Ratio: Bailey Tabeling, 5th (1.6)
   Steals:
Bailey Tabeling, 4th (35)
Bella Ranallo, 8th (31)
   Steals Per Game:
Bailey Tabeling, 5th (2.3)
Bella Ranallo, 7th (2.1)
 
VETERAN BOBCATS
The Ohio women's basketball team has nine players returning for the 2025-26 season.
 
Among Ohio's returners is standout Bailey Tabeling, a junior guard who led the Bobcats in almost all statistical categories last season. Tabeling played and started in all 29 games, compiled 897 minutes played and averaged 30.9 minutes per game. Last season, Tabeling finished with a team-high 121 rebounds (4.2), 68 assists and 57 steals. She also ranked second on the team for points with 361 points total. Tabeling averaged 12.4 PPG; shooting 35.8 percent from the field, 27.8 percent from the arc and 76.1 percent from the line.
 
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Tabeling recorded 18 double-figure point games and her first-career double-double. She also led the team in scoring in nine games, led the team in rebounds in seven games, led the team in assists in 14 games and led the team in steals in 11 games.
 
Graduate student Aliah McWhorter is another important returner for Ohio this season. With the departure of talented leaders, McWhorter is one of the most experienced players on the team. Last season, McWhorter played in 27 games, making four starts, playing 682 minutes and averaging 25.3 minutes per game. The graduate student finished with 175 points (6.5 PG), 67 rebounds (2.5 PG), 52 assists, 32 steals and nine blocks. She averaged 6.5 PPG; shooting 42.4 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from the arc and 67.1 percent form the line. McWhorter also ranked second on the team for assists.
 
After experiencing a season-ending injury in the beginning of last season, redshirt sophomore Monica Williams returns to the court for the Bobcats. In only six games, Williams recorded 45 points (7.5 PG), 34 rebounds (45.7 PG), 14 assists, 10 steals and one block.
 
Other notable returners that earned spots in the starting lineup last season includes junior Asiah Baxter and sophomore Gigi Bower. Baxter appeared in 29 games, making 26 starts and amassing 604 minutes (20.8 PG). She finished with 91 points, 99 rebounds (3.4 PG), 34 assists, 24 steals and three blocks. Baxter averaged 3.1 PPG; shooting 28.9 percent from he field, 26.3 percent from the arc and 60.6 percent from the line. Baxter also led the team in rebounds in four games, in assists in five games and in steals in two games.
 
Bower appeared in 26 games and made 11 starts during her freshman season. She amassed 509 minutes played and averaged 19.6 minutes per game. Bower finished with 106 points, 52 (2.0 PG), 32 assists, 16 steals and two blocks. Bower averaged 4.1 PPG; shooting 31.1 percent from the field, 26.0 percent from the arc and 69.0 percent from the line. She recorded the first 20-point game of her career against Ohio Christian with a career-high 21 points.
 
Coming off the bench for Ohio is sophomore Danni Scully and senior Cassidy Lafler. In her debut season with Ohio, Scully appeared in 26 games, amassed 429 minutes played and averaged 16.5 minutes per game. She finished the season with 64 points, 61 rebounds, 16 assists, 13 steals and four blocks.
 
After missing most of the 2023-24 season due to injury, Lafler appeared in 21 games and amassed 265 minutes player (12.6 PG). She finished with 61 points, 37 rebounds, 12 assists, 10 steals and six blocks.
 
WELCOME TO ATHENS
Ohio welcomes five newcomers, including two freshmen and three transfers to its 2025-26 roster.
 
Elli Garnett (Graduate Student; Lakewood, Colo.): A 5-11 forward, Garnett joins the Bobcats after playing at Nicholls State for a season. During the 2024-25 season, she played in 31 games, making 31 starts and amassing 874 minutes played (28.2 PG). Garnett recorded 256 points (8.3 PG), 193 rebounds (6.2 PG), 43 assists, 38 steals and four blocks. Garnett shot 37.0 percent from the field, 23.4 percent from the arc and 68.5 percent from the line.
 
ReRe Jennings (Freshman; Killeen, Texas): A 5-11 guard, Jennings played basketball at Harker Heights High School. She has garnered several awards and honors including being 2025 McDonald's All-American nominee. Jennings' other accolades include 2024-25 All-State Basketball honoree, District 12-6A MVP, 12-6A First Team All-District, 5A-6A Legacy Basketball All-Star and 2024-25 Lady Knights Offensive MVP. In her high school career, she scored more than 1,500 points. Jennings led her team to a 25-10 overall record and a 12-6A District Championships title.
 
Vivienne Macheck (Freshman; Embrach, Zürich): A 5-10 guard, Macheck played basketball basketball at the United School of Sports, Macheck also played basketball at Napoleon High School (Ohio) from 2021-22. She was a member of the u23 BC Alte Kanti Arau team, serving as captain in 2024 and 2025. Macheck helped the u23 BC Alte Kanti Arau team to a 2025 Swiss National Championship title. During the 2024-25 season, Macheck appeared in 43 games with the team. 
 
Antonicia Moultrie (Junior; Nassau, Bahamas):  A 5-9 guard, Moultrie played two seasons at Garden City Community College. She played a total of 59 games, made 59 starts and accumulated 2,192 minutes played. Moultrie tallied 709 points; shooting 48.3 percent from the field, 21.7 percent from the arc and 77.1 percent from the line. Moultrie also averagd 10.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.9 steals per game. At Garden City CC, she recorded 36 double-figure point games and 19 double-doubles.
 
Bella Ranallo (Redshirt Sophomore; Lake Forest, Ill.): A 5-6 guard, Ranallo played two seasons at Clemson before joining the Bobcats. During the 2023-24, Ranallo played in seven games for the Tigers. She also recorded three points, two assists and one rebound. Ranallo was also a four-year letterwinner for basketball at Lake Forest High School. During high school, she was three-time all-conference honoree and reached the 1,000 points milestone as a senior. Ranallo earned the Outstanding Senior Athlete award and led her team to two regional championships.
 
2025-26 MAC PRESEASON POLL
The Ohio women's basketball team was selected to finish 10th in the 2025-26 Mid-American Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
 
Kent State was picked to finish first with 133 points and five first-place votes. Toledo (118) and UMass (115) also received first-place votes and were picked to finished second and third, respectively. The Golden Flashes were also picked to win the MAC Championships with UMass, Toledo, Ball State and Miami also receiving votes.
 
2025-26 MAC-SBC CHALLENGE
The MAC-SBC Challenge -- the third installment of a scheduling alliance in men's and women's basketball -- will tip off on Monday, Nov. 3, with 13 Mid-American Conference (MAC) men's basketball programs hosting 13 Sun Belt Conference (SBC) teams, while the 13 MAC women's basketball programs will visit 13 SBC teams.
 
The second MAC-SBC Challenge contest for each team will take place in February, with the matchups based on real-time NET rankings and announced in January. The MAC women and Sun Belt men will host the February matchups.
 
Each MAC and Sun Belt team included in the MAC-SBC Challenge is guaranteed one home and one away game each season. Scheduling assistance is provided by Ordinal Sports Group. In addition to relevant NET data, geography and frequency of past contests are considered in determining the matchups. Each MAC-SBC Challenge game will be carried on an ESPN platform.
 
BOBCATS STAFF: FAMILIAR FACES
Ohio returns its entire coaching staff from last season. Associate Head Coach Tavares Jackson joins head coach, Bob Bolden, in his 13th season with the Bobcats. All of Ohio's assistant coaches return this season with Chelsea Welch and Kaylee Gregory Bambule entering their fourth season and Abby Garnett entering her second season. Director of Operations Ebony Pegues enters her fifth season with the program.
 
UP NEXT
The Bobcats will be back in action at Bowling Green on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
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