Story Links
Follow Ohio Women’s Basketball: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women’s basketball team (4-15, 2-7 MAC) is gearing up to face Miami (11-8, 4-5 MAC) for the first game of the Battle of the Bricks on Saturday, February 1. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET and will be aired on ESPN+.
Scouting Miami
Miami enters the game with an overall record of 11-8 and 4-5 in conference play. The Redhawks average 65.6 points per game, shooting 42.9% from the field, 33.9% from the three-point line, and 76.7% at the free-throw line. They also secure an average of 33 rebounds, with 13.1 assists and 11.9 steals per game. Miami is successful at generating turnovers, forcing an average of 21.9 turnovers per game and scoring 20.7 points off those turnovers.
On the defensive side, Miami’s opponents average 57.6 points per game, shooting 39.0% from the field, 34.7% from beyond the arc, and 71.7% from the line. Their opponents gather an average of 32.7 rebounds, with 11.8 assists and 8.8 steals per game. Miami has given up an average of 17.9 turnovers per game, with opponents scoring 16.2 points off those turnovers.
Enjulina Gonzalez is a key player for Miami, having scored a total of 321 points this season, while Amber Tretter leads in rebounds with 148. Tamar Singer tops the Redhawks with 68 assists and 39 steals, and Ilse de Vries stands out with 22 blocks.
Scouting Ohio
Ohio’s current record stands at 4-15 overall and 2-7 in conference play. The Bobcats are averaging 59.1 points per game, with a shooting accuracy of 37.6% from the field, 28.7% from three-point range, and 67.3% from the free-throw line. They gather an average of 31.9 rebounds, 10.9 assists, and 7.9 steals per game. The Bobcats force 16.3 turnovers per game and score 12.3 points from those turnovers.
Ohio’s opponents average 73.5 points per game and shoot 42.1% from the field. As for rebounds, opponents gather an average of 42.4, making 17.1 assists and 9.6 steals each game. The Bobcats have given up an average of 18.8 turnovers per game, with opponents scoring 19.4 points off those turnovers.
Kennedi Watkins is leading Ohio, having scored a total of 267 points, while Bailey Tabeling excels in rebounds (90), assists (51), and steals (37). Kate Dennis leads in blocks with 11.
All-Time Record vs. Miami
Ohio trails in the all-time series against Miami with a record of 41-64.
Last Meeting
The most recent encounter between Ohio and Miami took place during the 2023-24 season, where Miami claimed victory with a score of 68-64.
Recent Game Recap
In their last outing, Ohio women’s basketball faced off against Ball State (17-4, 9-0 MAC) on January 29, suffering an 83-61 defeat. Graduate student Anyssa Jones from Westerville led Ohio with a career-high 25 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and recording nine rebounds and two steals.
Senior Kennedi Watkins and Kate Dennis contributed 12 points each, while Aliah McWhorter tallied a team-high four assists. Ball State opened the game with a 14-0 run, forcing Ohio into a catch-up mode, trailing 29-18 by the end of the first quarter. Despite a stronger showing in the second half, where Ohio outscored Ball State 35-30, they were unable to recover the lost ground.
Kennedi Watkins’ Impact
Senior Kennedi Watkins has proved to be a significant asset for Ohio this season, averaging 15.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. She has recorded six 20-point performances, demonstrating her scoring prowess and leadership on the court. With a total of 240 points this season, Watkins also reached the impressive milestone of 1,000 career points during the game at Buffalo on January 22.
Bailey Tabeling’s Evolving Role
Sophomore Bailey Tabeling, known for her three-point shooting prowess, has transitioned to the role of point guard this season, leading the team in several statistical categories. She boasts a career-high of 28 points in a conference win against Northern Illinois and recently achieved her first career double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds against Eastern Michigan.
Consistent Leadership from Kate Dennis
Senior Kate Dennis, a model of consistency for the Bobcats, has featured prominently on the court this season, playing every game. With seven double-digit scoring games to her name, she ranks highly for blocks and minutes played.
Statistical Leaders
Points: Kennedi Watkins (267), Bailey Tabeling (231), Kate Dennis (136)
Rebounds: Bailey Tabeling (90), Kennedi Watkins (78), Asiah Baxter (70)
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (51), Aliah McWhorter (37), Gigi Bower (23)
Blocks: Kate Dennis (11), Kennedi Watkins (6), Aliah McWhorter (5)
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (37), Kennedi Watkins (24), Asiah Baxter (15)
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (603), Kate Dennis (503), Kennedi Watkins (464)
MAC Women’s Basketball Statistical Leaders (as of January 30)
Team Rankings:
- 3PT FG’s Made Per Game – 2nd (7.7)
- Steals – 5th (150)
- Steals Per Game – 5th (7.89)
Individual Rankings:
- Points – Kennedi Watkins, 8th (267)
- Points Per Game – Kennedi Watkins, 6th (15.7)
- Defensive Rebounds – Bailey Tabeling, 10th (85)
- Defensive Rebounds Per Game – Bailey Tabeling, 10th (4.5)
- 3PT FG’s Made Per Game – Bailey Tabeling, 5th (2.2)
- Steals – Bailey Tabeling, 9th (37)
- Steals Per Game – Bailey Tabeling, 9th (1.9)
Standouts from Last Season
Several players from last year’s squad made a significant impact, earning accolades and showcasing their skills on the court. Jaya McClure, Kennedi Watkins, and Bailey Tabeling were recognized for their impressive performances, contributing heavily to the team’s successes.
Ohio’s Promising Newcomers
For the upcoming 2024-25 season, Ohio is excited to welcome seven newcomers, including three freshmen and two transfers, who will add depth and talent to the roster.
Looking Ahead
The Bobcats are scheduled to return to play against Central Michigan on Wednesday, February 5, at 6:30 p.m. ET, with the game also available on ESPN+.
#OUohyeah
