ATHENS, Ohio – The No. 5 seed Ohio women's basketball team (17-12, 11-7 MAC) will face No. 4 seed Central Michigan (18-11, 12-6 MAC) in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Mid-American Conference Women's Basketball Tournament in Rocket Arena on Wednesday, March 11 in Cleveland, Ohio. Tip-off is set for approximately 1:30 p.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
 
TICKET INFORMATION
Fans may purchase tickets to the women's tournament directly through Rocket Arena. If you have any questions regarding women's basketball tournament tickets, contact Rocket Arena at (216) 420-2200. 
 
OHIO BOBCAT CLUB & OHIO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION RECEPTIONS
The Ohio Bobcat Club and the Ohio University Alumni Association will co-host pregame receptions at The Clevelander Bar & Grill (834 Huron Road East, Cleveland, Ohio) prior to all Ohio men's and women's basketball games at the 2026 MAC Tournament. Pending advancement, receptions will begin two hours prior to tipoff and conclude 30 minutes before game time. 
Reception tickets are $10 and can be purchased by clicking here. Appetizers and a cash bar will be provided, and the events are open to the public. 
If you have general questions about the pregame receptions, contact CJ Harris at harrisc10@ohio.edu. If you need assistance with registration, contact Advancement Events at eventsadv@ohio.edu. 
Fans can visit Ohio's Championship Central page for the most up-to-date information regarding tickets, parking, schedules and event details.
SCOUTING CENTRAL MICHIGAN
No. 4 seed Central Michigan has a 18-11 overall and 12-6 conference record heading into its MAC quarterfinals game against No. 5 seed Ohio.
 
The Chippewas average 69.7 PPG; shooting 42.6 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from the arc and 70.3 percent from the line. Central Michigan averages 41.8 rebounds, 13.3 assists, 6.1 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. The Chippewas have forced 15.1 turnovers per game and averahe 14.3 points off turnovers.
 
Central Michigan's opponents average 65.6 PPG; shooting 40.1 percent from the field, 29.3 percent from the arc and 68.2 percent from the line. Opponents average 31.5 rebounds, 12.4 assists, 9.5 steals and 3.2 blocks per game. Opponents have forced 18.5 turnovers per game and average 18.0 points off turnovers.
 
SCOUTING OHIO
No. 5 seed Ohio has a 17-12 overall and 11-7 conference record heading into its MAC quarterfinals game against No. 4 Central Michigan.
 
The Bobcats average 74.5 PPG; shooting 40.3 percent from the field, 32.4 percent from the arc and 65.4 percent from the line. Ohio averages 37.3 rebounds, 13.7 assists, 11.9 steals and 3.0 blocks per game. The Bobcats have forced 21.4 turnovers per game and average 21.8 points off turnovers.
 
Ohio's opponents average 70.6 PPG; shooting 40.0 percent from the field, 31.5 percent from the arc and 70.5 percent from the line. Opponents average 42.1 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 8.0 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. Opponents have forced 17.6 turnovers per game and average 15.7 points off turnovers.
 
LAST TIME VS CENTRAL MICHIGAN
This is second meeting between Ohio and Central Michigan this season. The two teams last met in the beginning of conference play when the Bobcats defeated the Chippewas, 85-83, in overtime.
 
ALL TIME VS CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Central Michigan leads Ohio in the two team's all-time series, 37-42. The Bobcats have won six of their last 10 meetings.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Ohio women's basketball team (17-12, 11-7 MAC) concluded the regular season with a 77-62 win over Battle of the Bricks rival Miami (25-6, 16-2 MAC) on Saturday, March 7 in the Convocation Center. After the game, the Bobcats honored the three members of the 2026 senior class: graduate students Aliah McWhorter (Cincinnati, Ohio), Elli Garnett (Lakewood, Colo.) and Aja Austin (Westerville, Ohio).
 
Ohio shot 41.8 percent from the field, 46.4 percent from the arc and 69.2 percent from the line. The Bobcats finished with 37 rebounds, 12 assists, 13 steals and one block.
 
Garnett led the Bobcats with a season-high 21 points in addition to game-high 11 rebounds, marking the fifth double-double of her career. The graduate student finished 7-for-11 from the field, 4-for-7 from the arc and 3-for-4 from the line. Elli added two assists and two steals.
 
Junior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) finished with 18 points; shooting 6-for-9 from the field, 5-for-8 from the arc and 1-for-2 from the line. Tabeling also recorded a team-high five assists in addition to two steals.
 
Redshirt sophomore Bella Ranallo (Lake Forest, Ill.) and junior Antonicia Moultrie (Nassau, Bahamas) added eight points each for Ohio.
 
Ohio got off to a strong start with back-to-back baskets by Garnett, taking a 5-0 lead with 8:52 left on the clock. The Bobcats extended their lead to 10-3 off a three pointer by Tabeling with 5:48 to go in the first quarter. At 3:41, Miami had cut Ohio's lead to 10-9. Two made free throws by Ranallo gave Ohio a 17-14 lead at the end of the first.
 
The RedHawks took their first lead of the game, 25-23, with 3:45 to play in the second quarter. The two teams traded points back-and-forth with Ohio taking a 32-31 lead at the half.
 
Ohio outscored Miami 29-17 in the third quarter. The Bobcats went on a 17-1 scoring run for almost five minutes and took a 49-32 lead over the RedHawks with 4:57 left to play. Miami cut Ohio's lead to 10 points, 56-46, with just under a minute and a half to go. A layup by redshirt sophomore Monica Williams (Indianapolis, Ind.) in the final four seconds gave Ohio a 61-48 lead at the end of the third.
 
With just over five minutes left in the game, the Bobcats went up 68-54 against the RedHawks. Ohio achieved its largest lead of the game with 26 seconds left in the game, going up 77-59 against Miami. The Bobcats went on to defeat to the RedHawks, 77-62.
 
#CLINCHED: THE ROAD TO CLEVELAND
Despite being picked to finish 10th in the 2025-26 MAC Preseason Poll, Ohio will be the No. 5 seed at the 2025-26 MAC Women's Basketball Tournament. No. 5 seed Ohio will face No. 4 Central Michigan in the quarterfinals, scheduled for approximately 1:30 p.m. ET. The tournament will take place March 11-14 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
After not seeing success for several seasons and missing out on the 2024-25 MAC Tournament, the team has exceeded expectations with a 17-12 overall record and 11-7 conference record. Ohio has more than doubled its win total from the 2024-25 season and has won its most games since the 2019-20 season. In addtion, the Bobcats have won 11 conference games for the first time since the 2020-21 season.
 
TABELING NAMED TO 2025-26 ALL-MAC SECOND TEAM
Junior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) has been selected to the 2025-26 All-Mid-American Conference Second Team, as announced by the league office on Tuesday, March 10.
 
After another season as one of Ohio's top performers, Tabeling has been named to the All-MAC Second Team. Tabeling started and played in 29 games; accumulating 877 minutes played while averaging 30.2 minutes per game. The junior averages 14.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game. Tabeling is currently shooting 38.4 percent from the field, 31.5 percent from the arc and 75.8 percent from the line. She ranks first on the team for points, – including field goals and three pointers made – assists, steals, blocks and minutes played. Tabeling also ranks second on the team for free throws made and third for rebounds.
 
Throughout this season, Tabeling has recorded 21 double-figure point games, five 20 plus point games and two double-doubles. She has led the team in scoring and assists in 13 games, in steals in 16 games and in rebounds in four games.
 
TEAM STATISTICAL CATEGORY LEADERS (TOP 3)
Points: Bailey Tabeling (410/14.1 PG), Bella Ranallo (324/11.2 PG), Elli Garnett (230/8.5 PG)
FG Made: Bailey Tabeling (134), Bella Ranallo (103), Aliah McWhorter (85)
3PT Made: Bailey Tabeling (73), Bella Ranallo (46), Elli Garnett (37)
FT Made: Bella Ranallo (72), Bailey Tabeling (69), Monica Williams (56)
Rebounds: Elli Garnett (145/5.4 PG), Asiah Baxter (137/4.7 PG), Bailey Tabeling (116/4.0 PG)
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (90), Monica Williams (51), Elli Garnett (49)
Blocks: Bailey Tabeling (16), ReRe Jennings (15), Antonicia Moultrie (14),
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (68), Bella Ranallo (56), Asiah Baxter (43)
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (877/30.2 PG), Asiah Baxter (782/27.0 PG), Bella Ranallo (724/25.0 PG)
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 410 points (14.1 PG); shooting 38.4 percent from the field, 31.5 percent from the arc and 75.8 percent from the line. Tabeling has recorded 21 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. The junior recently reached 1,000 career points - all while playing at Ohio - with 19 points against Ball State (2/28).
 
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 324 points (11.2 PG), 87 rebounds (3.0 PG), 43 assists and 56 steals. Ranallo has started and played in 29 games, averaging 25.0 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 29 games this season, compiling 782 minutes played (27.0 PG). She has scored 202 points (7.0 PG) this season; shooting 41.9 percent from the field, 34.6 percent from the arc and 73.2 percent from the line. Baxter has compiled 137 rebounds (4.7 PG), 35 assists, 43 steals and six blocks.
 
McWhorter started and played in 27 games, compiling 646 minutes played (23.9 PG). She has scored 219 points (8.1 PG); shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from the arc. McWhorter has also compiled 75 rebounds (2.8 PG), 38 assists, 23 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, bringing veteran experience to the starting lineup. Elli has started and played in 27 games, averaging 22.2 minutes per game. Elli currently has 230 points (8.5 PG), 145 rebounds (5.4), 49 assists, 26 steals and seven 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 28 games and compiled 523 minutes played (18.7 PG). Coming off the bench this season, she has recorded 194 points (6.9 PG), 73 rebounds (2.6 PG), 51 assists, 37 steals and seven 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 3/8)
TEAM RANKINGS:
   Bench Points Per Game: Ohio, 18th (25.9 PG)
   Three Point Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 3rd (30.9 PG)
   Three Pointers Per Game: Ohio, 4th (10.0 PG)
   Free Throw Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 19th (21.66 PG)
   Steals Per Game : Ohio, 13th (11.9 PG)
   Turnovers Forced Per Game : Ohio, 19th (21.38 PG)
 
 MAC RANKINGS: OVERALL STATS (THRU GAMES ON 3/7)
TEAM RANKINGS (TOP 5):
   Points: Ohio, 3rd (2160)
   Points Per Game: Ohio, 2nd (74.5 PPG)
   FG Made: Ohio, 5th (729)
   3PT Percentage: Ohio, 4th (.324)
   3PT FG Made: Ohio, 1st (291)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Ohio, 1st (10.0 PG)
   Defensive Rebounds Per Game: Ohio, 5th (25.2 PG)
   Turnover Margin: Ohio, 3rd (+3.79)
   Opponent Turnovers: Ohio, 2nd (620)
   Opponent Turnovers Per Game: Ohio, 1st (21.4 PG)
   Blocks: Ohio, 5th (86)
   Blocks Per Game: Ohio, 5th (2.97 PG)
   Assists Per Game: Ohio, 5th (13.69 PG)
   Steals: Ohio, 2nd (345)
   Steals Per Game: Ohio, 1st (11.90 PG)
 
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (TOP 10):
   3PT FG Made: Bailey Tabeling, 2nd (73)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Bailey Tabeling, 2nd (2.5)
   Assist/Turnover Ratio: Bailey Tabeling, 8th (1.3)
   Steals:
Bailey Tabeling, 4th (68)
Bella Ranallo, 9th (56)
   Steals Per Game:
Bailey Tabeling, 5th (2.3)
Bella Ranallo, 9th (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.
 
#OUohyeah