ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (16-12, 10-7 MAC) is set to host Battle of the Bricks rival, Miami (OH) (25-5, 16-1 MAC), for its regular season finale in the Convocation Center on Saturday, March 7. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET and fans can watch the game on ESPNU. The Bobcats will recognize the three members of its senior class, Aja Austin, Elli Garnett and Aliah McWhorter, following the conclusion of the game.
 
The first 200 fans at the game will receive a free green Battle of the Bricks T-Shirt.
 
SCOUTING MIAMI
Miami has a 25-5 overall and 16-1 conference record heading into its game at Ohio.
 
The RedHawks average 71.3 PPG; shooting 45.3 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from the arc and 75.6 percent from the line. Miami averages 32.4 rebounds, 16.3 assists, 10.8 steals and 3.7 blocks per game. The RedHawks have forced 20.4 turnovers per game and average 20.6 points off turnovers.
 
Miami's opponents average 58.1 PPG; shooting 38.6 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from the arc and 72.5 percent from the line. Opponents average 34.0 rebounds, 11.2 assists, 7.7 steals and 2.9 blocks per game. Opponents have forced 15.2 turnovers per game and average 12.8 points off turnovers.
 
SCOUTING OHIO
Ohio has a 16-12 overall and 10-7 conference record heading into its game against Miami.
 
The Bobcats average 74.4 PPG; shooting 40.3 percent from the field, 32.0 percent from arc and 65.3 percent from the line. Ohio averages 37.4 rebounds, 13.8 assists, 11.9 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 70.9 PPG; shooting 40.0 percent from the field, 31.6 percent from the arc and 70.2 percent from the line. Opponents average 42.4 rebounds, 15.9 assists, 7.8 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 MIAMI
This is second meeting between Ohio and Miami this season. The two teams last met in late January when the RedHawks defeated the Bobcats, 90-70.
 
ALL TIME VS MIAMI
Miami leads Ohio in the two team's all-time series, 41-63. The Bobcats have won four of their last 10 meetings.
 
LAST TIME OUT
The Ohio women's basketball team (16-12, 10-7 MAC) defeated Eastern Michigan (12-16, 5-12 MAC) 62-54 on Wednesday, March 4.
 
Ohio shot 32.8 percent from the field, 23.7 percent from the arc and 61.1 percent from the line. The Bobcats finished with 45 rebounds, 10 assists, 13 steals and six blocks.
 
Junior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.), redshirt sophomore Bella Ranallo (Lake Forest, Ill.) and sophomore Gigi Bower (Powell, Ohio) led Ohio in scoring with 10 points each. Graduate student Elli Garnett (Lakewood, Colo.) led the team in rebounding with 10 boards in addition to a team-high three blocks. Junior Asiah Baxter (Indianapolis, Ind.) and graduate student Aliah McWhorter (Cincinnati, Ohio) led the team in assists with two each. Baxter, Ranallo and Tabeling all finished with a team-high three steals each.
 
Ohio got off to a slow start and didn't score until a three pointer by Bower with 7:10 left in the first quarter. Eastern Michigan went up 9-5 with just under five minute to play. The Bobcats took an 11-9 lead off another three pointer by Bower. Ohio went on an 8-0 scoring run for 1:41, taking a 15-9 lead with 2:09 to go. At the end of the first, Ohio led Eastern Michigan 17-11.
 
Eastern Michigan cut Ohio's lead to 17-15 with back-to-back baskets in the beginning of the second quarter. The Eagles made it a one point game, 19-18, with 5:58 left on the clock. Eastern Michigan closed in on Ohio's lead while the Bobcats struggled to perform on offense. The Bobcats experienced a scoring drought for over two minutes, allowing the Eagles to tie the game at 25-25. Ohio only led Eastern Michigan 27-25 heading into the locker room.
 
Tabeling got the scoring started for Ohio in the third quarter. Tabeling drained a three pointer to put the Bobcats up 30-27 with 9:01 left on the clock. With 6:21 to play, Ohio extended its lead to 35-29. Eastern Michigan came close several times, but solid rebounding and big defensive plays kept the lead with the Bobcats. A layup by redshirt sophomore Monica Williams (Indianapolis, Ind.) gave Ohio a 42-35 lead with 2:39 to go. At the end of the third, the Bobcats led the Eagles 45-39.
 
Eastern Michigan looked to make a comeback in the fourth quarter but came up short. The Bobcats went on to defeat the Eagles, 62-54.
 
TEAM STATISTICAL CATEGORY LEADERS (TOP 3)
Points: Bailey Tabeling (392/14.0 PG), Bella Ranallo (316/11.3 PG), Aliah McWhorter (215/8.3 PG)
FG Made: Bailey Tabeling (128), Bella Ranallo (100), Aliah McWhorter (84)
3PT Made: Bailey Tabeling (68), Bella Ranallo (46), Gigi Bower (34)
FT Made: Bella Ranallo (70), Bailey Tabeling (68), Monica Williams (53)
Rebounds: Elli Garnett (134/5.2 PG), Asiah Baxter (132/4.7 PG), Bailey Tabeling (113/4.0 PG)
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (85), Monica Williams (50), Elli Garnett (47)
Blocks: Bailey Tabeling (16), ReRe Jennings (14), Antonicia Moultrie (14), Aliah McWhorter (11)
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (66), Bella Ranallo (54), Asiah Baxter (40)
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (844/30.1 PG), Asiah Baxter (753/26.9 PG), Bella Ranallo (705/25.2 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 exceeded expectations with a 16-12 overall record and 10-7 conference record. Ohio has more than 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 have won 10 conference games for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
 
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 392 points (14.0 PG); shooting 37.6 percent from the field, 30.4 percent from the arc and 76.4 percent from the line. Tabeling has recorded 20 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 316 points (11.3 PG), 84 rebounds (3.0 PG), 43 assists and 54 steals. Ranallo has started and played in all 28 games, averaging 25.2 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 28 games this season, compiling 753 minutes played (26.9 PG). She has scored 200 points (7.1 PG) this season; shooting 42.1 percent from the field, 35.1 percent from the arc and 75.0 percent from the line. Baxter has compiled 132 rebounds (4.7 PG), 34 assists, 40 steals and six blocks.
 
McWhorter started and played in 26 games, compiling 626 minutes played (24.1 PG). She has scored 215 points (8.3 PG); shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from the arc. McWhorter has also compiled 75 rebounds (2.9 PG), 36 assists, 22 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 26 games, averaging 22.0 minutes per game. Elli currently has 209 points (8.0 PG), 134 rebounds (5.2), 47 assists, 24 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 27 games and compiled 502 minutes played (18.6 PG). Coming off the bench this season, she has recorded 187 points (6.9 PG), 71 rebounds (2.6 PG), 50 assists, 36 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 3/4)
TEAM RANKINGS:
   Bench Points Per Game: Ohio, 20th (26.0 PG)
   Three Point Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 3rd (31.0 PG)
   Three Pointers Per Game: Ohio, 4th (9.9 PG)
   Free Throw Attempts Per Game: Ohio, 20th (21.50 PG)
   Steals Per Game : Ohio, 15th (11.9 PG)
   Turnovers Forced Per Game : Ohio, 20th (21.25 PG)
 
 MAC RANKINGS: OVERALL STATS (THRU GAMES ON 3/4)
TEAM RANKINGS (TOP 5):
   Points: Ohio, 4th (2083)
   Points Per Game: Ohio, 2nd (74.4 PPG)
   3PT Percentage: Ohio, 4th (.320)
   3PT FG Made: Ohio, 1st (278)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Ohio, 1st (9.9 PG)
   Defensive Rebounds Per Game: Ohio, 4th (25.1 PG)
   Turnover Margin: Ohio, 2nd (+3.82)
   Opponent Turnovers: Ohio, 2nd (595)
   Opponent Turnovers Per Game: Ohio, 1st (21.3 PG)
   Blocks: Ohio, 5th (85)
   Blocks Per Game: Ohio, 5th (3.04 PG)
   Assists Per Game: Ohio, 5th (13.75 PG)
   Steals: Ohio, 2nd (332)
   Steals Per Game: Ohio, 1st (11.86 PG)
 
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS (TOP 10):
   3PT FG Made: Bailey Tabeling, 2nd (68)
   3PT FG Made Per Game: Bailey Tabeling, 2nd (2.4)
   Assist/Turnover Ratio: Bailey Tabeling, 8th (1.4)
   Steals:
Bailey Tabeling, 4th (66)
Bella Ranallo, 9th (54)
   Steals Per Game:
Bailey Tabeling, 4th (2.4)
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.
 
UP NEXT
The Bobcats will kick off the postseason at the Mid-American Conference Tournament, March 11-14, at Rocket Mortgage Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The tournament will begin on Wednesday, March 11. Tournament seeding will be announced following the conclusion of regular season play.
 
#OUohyeah