Ohio Women’s Basketball Stumbles in Clash Against Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. – The Ohio women’s basketball squad (2-8, 0-0 MAC) lost to Georgia (8-6, 0-0 SEC) with a score of 83-50 on Saturday, Dec. 28.
 
Senior Kennedi Watkins (Ballwin, Mo.) topped the team with 15 points, achieving 7-of-14 from the floor. Sophomore Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) and senior Kate Dennis (Rockford, Ill.) contributed eight points each for the Bobcats.
 
Sophomore Asiah Baxter (Indianapolis, Ind.) secured a team-leading five boards. Baxter, Tabeling, and graduate student Aliah McWhorter (Cincinnati, Ohio) each recorded three assists. Sophomore Emma Barnett (Mount Washington, Ky.) registered a team-high three steals, while Dennis concluded with a team-high two rejections.
 
Ohio began with a strong level of intensity, trailing by only six points halfway through the period. Despite the Bobcats’ diligent defensive efforts, Georgia enjoyed significant offensive success in the last five minutes. After the first quarter, the Bobcats found themselves behind the Bulldogs 21-8.
 
Georgia maintained its dominance over Ohio, 38-19 after the second period. The Bobcats permitted the Bulldogs to seize too many offensive rebounds and secure second-chance opportunities. Although the scoreline suggests otherwise, the second quarter was more competitive in terms of scoring, with Ohio recording 11 points and Georgia gathering 17 points.
 
Ohio experienced greater offensive success in the third quarter. The Bobcats outscored Georgia 13-6 within the first five minutes and trailed 44-32 with 5:08 remaining in the quarter. Georgia’s adaptation to a high press challenged Ohio and compelled the Bobcats to commit an excessive number of turnovers. In the closing moments, Georgia found its offensive rhythm, resulting in both teams finishing the quarter with 19 points apiece. The Bobcats entered the final quarter trailing the Bulldogs 57-38.
 
Georgia broadened its lead through a significant scoring spree and effective shooting during the fourth quarter. Despite their endeavors, the Bobcats were unable to catch up to the Bulldogs. Georgia finished the game ahead 83-50.
 
The Bobcats will return to the court when they host Akron for their conference opener on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET and the match will be available to stream on ESPN+.
 
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