ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (12-6, 6-2 MAC) is set to host UMass (14-4, 6-2 MAC) on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+. The first 200 students at the game will receive free Chick-Fil-A.
 
SCOUTING UMASS
UMass currently has a 14-4 overall and 6-2 conference record heading into its game at Ohio.
 
The Minutewomen average 69.7 PPG; shooting 42.5 percent from the field, 31.5 percent from the arc and 67.3 percent from the line. UMass averages 39.2 rebounds, 16.6 assists, 9.9 steals and 3.4 blocks per game. The Minutewomen have forced 18.8 turnovers per game and average 19.9 points off turnovers.
 
UMass' opponents average 60.3 PPG; shooting 37.5 percent from the field, 27.2 percent from the arc and 68.0 percent from the line. Opponents average 35.1 rebounds, 14.4 assists, 7.7 steals and 2.7 blocks per game. Opponents have forced UMass to give up 15.7 turnovers per game and average 15.2 points off turnovers.
 
SCOUTING OHIO
Ohio currently has a 12-6 overall and 6-2 conference record heading into its game against UMass.
 
The Bobcats average 74.2 PPG; shooting 41.1 percent from the field, 32.2 percent from the arc and 65.4 percent from the line. Ohio averages 35.9 rebounds, 13.3 assists, 12.2 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. The Bobcats have forced 21.7 turnovers per game and average 21.5 points off turnovers.
 
Ohio's opponents average 69.6 PPG; shooting 39.9 percent from the field, 31.1 percent from the arc and 68.1 percent from the line. Opponents average 41.8 rebounds, 15.4 assists, 7.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per game. Opponents have forced Ohio to give up 17.2 turnovers per game and average 16.6 points off turnovers.
 
LAST TIME VS UMASS
This is the first meeting between the teams as conference opponents. The two teams last met during the 2020-21 season when the Minutewomen defeated the Bobcats, 95-71.
 
ALL TIME VS UMASS
UMass leads Ohio in the two teams' all-time series, 3-1.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Ohio women's basketball team (12-6, 6-2 MAC) fell 75-66 to Toledo (9-8, 4-3 MAC) on Saturday, Jan. 24 in the Convocation Center.
 
"I thought at times we did a nice job, but we had too many breakdowns," head coach Bob Boldon said. "Part of our rebounding breakdowns came from people being out of position when the shot went up, and then we're out of position to rebound. We certainly need to address that and do a better job of rebounding."
 
As a team, Ohio made 22 shots from the field, including eight threes. On defense, the team forced 24 turnovers and recorded nine total steals. On the boards, Ohio grabbed 28 rebounds, including 20 on the defensive end. 
 
Junior guard Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) shared the team lead in scoring with 15 points to go along with two blocks and two assists. Redshirt sophomore guard Bella Ranallo (Lake Forest, Ill.) joined Tabeling with 15 while also contributing three rebounds and two assists. Junior guard Asiah Baxter (Indianapolis, Ind.) led the Bobcats in rebounding with four, while also contributing eight points. 
 
"Toledo is a good team, they had a great game plan, and coming into it kind of took us by surprise," Tabeling said. "We haven't seen that kind of defense this year…It was just kind of difficult to try to adapt in the middle of the game. We talked to coaches at halftime and timeouts, whatever it was, and we just tried to find our way to the rim."
 
Baxter got the scoring started for the Bobcats, drawing fouls on back-to-back possessions and converting on three of her four free-throw attempts. Ohio scored all of its first-quarter points from the free-throw line as it entered the second period trailing 16-7. 
 
Antonicia Moultrie (Nassau, Bahamas) jump-started the Bobcat offense in the second quarter with a three-point jumper on the team's first offensive possession. Ohio would continue to find success from the field in the period, scoring on four straight possessions to bring the deficit to just two at 21-19.
 
Ohio made three threes and scored 23 points in the second quarter as they entered halftime with a 37-30 deficit.  
 
Tabeling got the Bobcats on the board first in the second half as she converted an and-one to bring the Bobcats within four. Despite a nine-point quarter for Tableing, the Toledo offense remained consistent, building its lead to 58-49 heading into the game's final quarter.
 
Ohio would outscore Toledo in the final quarter, but it was too little too late to overcome what was a 10-point deficit entering the fourth. The Rockets beat the Bobcats, 75-66.
 
TEAM STATISTICAL CATEGORY LEADERS (TOP 3)
Points: Bailey Tabeling (251/13.9 PG), Bella Ranallo (222/12.3 PG), Asiah Baxter (148/8.2 PG)
FG Made: Bailey Tabeling (81), Bella Ranallo (69), Aliah McWhorter (51)
3PT Made: Bailey Tabeling (42), Bella Ranallo (31), Asiah Baxter (21)
FT Made: Bella Ranallo (53), Bailey Tabeling (47), Monica Williams (39)
Rebounds: Asiah Baxter (87/4.8 PG), Elli Garnett (72/4.2 PG), Bailey Tabeling (72/4.0 PG), Danni Scully (71/4.2 PG)
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (55), Monica Williams (36), Elli Garnett (28)
Blocks: Antonicia Moultrie (10), Aliah McWhorter (8), Bailey Tabeling (8), Asiah Baxter (6), ReRe Jennings (6)
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (42), Bella Ranallo (38), Monica Williams (28)
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (544/30.2 PG), Asiah Baxter (492/27.3 PG), Bella Ranallo (469/26.1 PG)
 
BOBCATS BACK ON TRACK
After not seeing success for several seasons and missing out on the 2024-25 MAC Tournament, the team has already exceeded expectations with a 12-6 overall record and 6-2 conference record. Ohio has doubled its win total from the 2024-25 season and has seen its best start to conference play since the 2015-16 season. After being picked to finish 10th in the 2025-26 MAC Preseason Poll, the Bobcats currently sit amongs the top five teams in the MAC standings.
 
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 251 points (13.9 PG); shooting 40.7 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from the arc and 74.6 percent from the line. Tabeling has recorded 12 double-figure point games this season including four 20 + point games. She has led the team in multiple 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 222 points (12.3 PG), 56 rebounds (3.1 PG), 27 assists and 38 steals. Ranallo has started and played in all 18 games, averaging 26.1 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 17 games and compiled 322 minutes played (18.9 PG). Coming off the bench this season, she has recorded 115 points (6.8 PG), 48 rebounds (2.18 PG), 36 assists (2.1 PG), 28 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 six 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 17 games, averaging 20.9 minutes per game. Elli currently has 115 points (6.8 PG), 72 rebounds (4.2), 28 assists (1.6 PG), 14 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
 
TOP 25 NCAA STATISTICAL RANKINGS (THRU GAMES ON 1/26)
TEAM RANKINGS:
   Three Point Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 7th (29.2 PG)
   Three Pointers Per Game: Ohio, 9th (9.4 PG)
   Free Throw Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 11th (23.28 PG)
   Steals Per Game : Ohio, 20th (12.2 PG)
   Turnovers Forced Per Game : Ohio, 20th (21.67 PG)
 
 MAC RANKINGS: OVERALL STATS (THRU GAMES ON 1/24)
TEAM RANKINGS (TOP 5):
   Points: Ohio, 4th (1335)
   Points Per Game: Ohio, 2nd (74.2 PPG)
   3PT Percentage: Ohio, 3rd (.322)
   3PT FG Made: Ohio, 1st (169)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Ohio, 1st (9.4)
   FT Made: Ohio, 3rd (274)
   Defensive Rebounds Per Game: Ohio, 4th (24.8 PG)
   Turnover Margin: Ohio, 2nd (+4.44)
   Opponent Turnovers: Ohio, 2nd (390)
   Opponent Turnovers Per Game: Ohio, 1st (21.7 PG)
   Steals: Ohio, 2nd (220)
   Steals Per Game: Ohio, 1st (12.22 PG)
 
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (TOP 10):
   Points Per Game : Bailey Tabeling, 8th (13.9)
   3PT FG Percentage : Asiah Baxter, 3rd (.420)
   3PT FG Made:
Bailey Tabeling, 3rd (42)
Bella Ranallo, 8th (31)
   3PT FG Made Per Game:
Bailey Tabeling, 3rd (2.3)
Bella Ranallo, 8th (1.7)
   Assist/Turnover Ratio: Bailey Tabeling, 7th (1.5)
   Steals:
Bailey Tabeling, 5th (42)
Bella Ranallo, 8th (38)
   Steals Per Game:
Bailey Tabeling, 5th (2.3)
Bella Ranallo, 8th (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 Miami for their first game of the Battle of Bricks series on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
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