ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (15-11, 9-6 MAC) is set to travel to Ball State (23-6, 14-2 MAC) for a conference matchup on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
SCOUTING BALL STATE
Ball State has a 23-6 overall and 14-2 conference record heading into its game against Ohio.
 
The Cardinals average 79.1 PPG; shooting 46.3 percent from the field, 32.8 percent from the arc and 69.1 percent from the line. Ball State averages 44.1 rebounds, 19.4 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.6 blocks per game. The Cardinals has forced 16.7 turnovers per game and average 16.9 points off turnovers.
 
Ball State's opponents average 65.2 PPG; shooting 36.9 percent from the field, 30.1 percent from the field and 68.9 percent from the line. Opponents average 34.2 rebounds, 11.4 assists, 8.8 steals and 3.6 blocks per game. Opponents have forced 17.0 turnovers per game and average 14.4 points off turnovers.
 
SCOUTING OHIO
Ohio has a 15-11 overall and 9-6 conference record heading into its game at Ball State.
 
The Bobcats average 74.5 PPG; shooting 40.6 percent from the field, 32.4 percent from the arc and 65.0 percent from the line. Ohio averages 37.2 rebounds, 13.7 assists, 11.8 steals and 3.0 blocks per game. The Bobcats have forced 21.3 turnovers per game and average 21.5 points off turnovers.
 
Ohio's opponents average 71.0 PPG; shooting 40.1 percent from the field, 31.9 percent from the arc and 70.1 percent from the line. Opponents have forced 41.9 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. Opponents have forced 17.4 turnovers per game and average 15.8 points off turnovers.
 
LAST TIME VS BALL STATE
The two teams last met during the 2024-25 season when the Cardinals defeated the Bobcats, 82-57.
 
ALL TIME VS BALL STATE
Ohio leads Ball State in the two team's all-time series, 39-36. The Bobcats have won two of their last 10 meetings.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Ohio women's basketball team (15-11, 9-6 MAC) fell to Bowling Green (16-12, 8-8 MAC), 60-56, in an overtime battle on Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the Convocation Center.
 
Following the results of conference games on Wednesday night, the Bobcats clinched their spot in the 2025-26 MAC Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
Ohio shot 25.7 percent from the field, 20.0 percent from the arc and 58.8 percent from the line. The Bobcats finished with 56 rebounds, nine assists, 10 steals and one block.
 
Junior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) led Ohio with her second double-double of the season, the third of her career. Tabeling finished with a team-high 18 points and 11 rebounds in addition to two assists and two steals. Graduate student Elli Garnett added 12 points and seven rebounds for the Bobcats. Redshirt sophomore Bella Ranallo (Lake Forest, Ill.) led the team in assists with three total.
 
Ohio got off to a slow start, going down 19-8 to Bowling Green in the first quarter.
 
The Bobcats kicked off the second quarter with a 9-1 scoring run. A three pointer by Tabeling cut Bowling Green's lead to 23-17 with 6:24 left in the half. Both teams were scoreless for over a minute of play. Ohio ended the scoring drought with three-straight made free throws and trailed the Falcons, 28-20, with 1:03 left on the clock. Heading into the locker room, Ohio trailed Bowling Green 30-20.
 
Both teams found more success on offense during the third quarter with Ohio only outscoring Bowling Green, 17-16. In the first five minutes of play, the teams traded points back-and-forth. With 5:33 left on the clock, the Bobcats trailed the Falcons 39-30. Bowling Green extended its lead to 12 points, 46-34, with just over two minutes to play. At the end of the third quarter, Ohio trailed Bowling Green 46-37.
 
Ohio dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Bowling Green 15-6. The Bobcats kicked off the fourth quarter with four-straight points by graduate student Aliah McWhorter (Cincinnati, Ohio). At 6:50 left on the clock, Ohio cut Bowling Green's lead to 48-44 off a three pointer by Ranallo. Back-to-back plays by Tabeling gave Ohio its first lead of the game, 50-49, with 1:26 to play. The Falcons took a 52-50 lead with one second left on the clock, but a heroic play by freshman ReRe Jennings (Killeen, Texas) at the buzzer sent the game into overtime. At the end of regulation, the teams were tied 52-52.
 
Despite their efforts, the Bobcats came up short in overtime. Ohio ultimately fell to Bowling Green, 60-56.
 
TEAM STATISTICAL CATEGORY LEADERS (TOP 3)
Points: Bailey Tabeling (363/14.0 PG), Bella Ranallo (291/11.2 PG), Aliah McWhorter (203/8.5 PG)
FG Made: Bailey Tabeling (119), Bella Ranallo (91), Aliah McWhorter (79)
3PT Made: Bailey Tabeling (63), Bella Ranallo (41), Elli Garnett (31)
FT Made: Bella Ranallo (68), Bailey Tabeling (62), Monica Williams (50)
Rebounds: Asiah Baxter (120/4.6 PG), Elli Garnett (118/4.9 PG), Bailey Tabeling (105/4.0 PG)
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (78), Monica Williams (47), Elli Garnett (43)
Blocks: Bailey Tabeling (15), Antonicia Moultrie (14), ReRe Jennings (13)
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (61), Bella Ranallo (50), Asiah Baxter (34), Monica Williams (34)
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (788/30.3 PG), Asiah Baxter (692/26.6 PG), Bella Ranallo (660/25.4 PG)
 
#CLINCHED: THE ROAD TO CLEVELAND
Despite being picked to finish 10th in the 2025-26 MAC Preseason Poll, Ohio has now clinched its spot in the 2025-26 MAC Women's Basketball Tournament. The tournament will take place March 11-14 at Rocket Mortgage Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
After not seeing success for several seasons and missing out on the 2024-25 MAC Tournament, the team has already exceeded expectations with a 15-11 overall record and 9-6 conference record. Ohio has already doubled its win total from the 2024-25 season and saw one of its best starts to conference play since the 2015-16 season. The Bobcats currently sit amongst 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 363 points (14.0 PG); shooting 38.4 percent from the field, 31.0 percent from the arc and 74.7 percent from the line. Tabeling has recorded 18 double-figure point games this season including five 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 291 points (11.2 PG), 76 rebounds (2.9 PG), 40 assists and 50 steals. Ranallo has started and played in all 26 games, averaging 25.4 minutes per games.
 
BAXTER & MCWHORTER: UNSUNG HEROES
Junior Asiah Baxter and graduate student Aliah McWhorter are among Ohio's top returners from the 2024-25 season. Both players offer the team veteran experience and leadership on the court.
 
Baxter has started and played in all 26 games this season, compiling 692 minutes played (26.6 PG). She has scored 186 points (7.2 PG) this season; shooting 43.7 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from the arc and 77.1 percent from the line. Baxter has compiled 120 rebounds (4.6 PG), 31 assists, 34 steals and six blocks.
 
McWhorter started and played in 24 games, compiling 588 minutes played (24.5 PG). She has scored 203 points (8.5 PG) and is shooting 46.7 percent from the field. McWhorter has also compiled 70 rebounds (2.9 PG), 32 assists, 21 steals and 11 blocks.
 
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 of 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 24 games, averaging 21.6 minutes per game. Elli currently has 197 points (8.2 PG), 118 rebounds (4.9), 43 assists, 22 steals and four blocks.
 
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 25 games and compiled 468 minutes played (18.7 PG). Coming off the bench this season, she has recorded 178 points (7.1 PG), 66 rebounds (2.6 PG), 47 assists, 34 steals and six blocks. Williams has recorded seven double-figure points games this season. She has led the team in assists in three games and in steals in six games this season.
 
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 2/25)
TEAM RANKINGS:
   Bench Points Per Game: Ohio, 22nd (25.9 PG)
   Three Point Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 5th (30.2 PG)
   Three Pointers Per Game: Ohio, 4th (9.8 PG)
   Free Throw Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 17th (21.88 PG)
   Steals Per Game : Ohio, 17th (11.8 PG)
   Turnovers Forced Per Game : Ohio, 18th (21.27 PG)
 
 MAC RANKINGS: OVERALL STATS (THRU GAMES ON 2/25)
TEAM RANKINGS (TOP 5):
   Points: Ohio, 5th (1936)
   Points Per Game: Ohio, 2nd (74.5 PPG)
   3PT Percentage: Ohio, 4th (.324)
   3PT FG Made: Ohio, 1st (254)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Ohio, 1st (9.8 PG)
   Defensive Rebounds Per Game: Ohio, 5th (25.1 PG)
   Turnover Margin: Ohio, 2nd (+3.85)
   Opponent Turnovers: Ohio, 3rd (553)
   Opponent Turnovers Per Game: Ohio, 1st (21.3 PG)
   Blocks: Ohio, 5th (78)
   Blocks Per Game: Ohio, 5th (3.00 PG)
   Steals: Ohio, 2nd (307)
   Steals Per Game: Ohio, 1st (11.81 PG)
 
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (TOP 10):
   3PT FG Percentage : Monica Williams, 1st (.456)
   3PT FG Made: Bailey Tabeling, 2nd (63)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Bailey Tabeling, 2nd (2.4)
   Assist/Turnover Ratio: Bailey Tabeling, 8th (1.4)
   Steals:
Bailey Tabeling, 4th (61)
Bella Ranallo, 8th (50)
   Steals Per Game:
Bailey Tabeling, 5th (2.3)
Bella Ranallo, 8th (1.9)
 
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 Eastern Michigan on Wednesday, March 4. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
#OUohyeah