Sports

Ohio Women’s Basketball locks down George Washington to get first win

By: Evan Johnson
Posted on: Saturday, November 16, 2024

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio Women’s Basketball (1-2) was searching for their first win of the season and they found it, defeating George Washington (2-2) in a defensive battle 52-40.

The Bobcats went into this game without two of their top performers, Jaya McClure and Kennedi Watkins. But Ohio was able to take the lead early thanks to their defense. They disrupted passing lanes and forced four turnovers just halfway through the first quarter.  

Ohio’s offense started to heat up, going on a five-point run to end the first quarter. A part of the run was a buzzer beater three from Aja Baxter, which gave the Bobcats a 13-7 lead.  

In the second quarter, George Washington still struggled to find points. They never got an open look as the Ohio defense was suffocating. The Bobcats still had troubles from behind the arc shooting 3-16 in the first half. But they were able to find more open looks in the paint and make tough baskets. Ohio never gave up their lead, ending the half with a 24-18 lead. 

“I liked our balance; I thought our shot selection was good. We still haven’t shot the ball particularly well, and again that is something we can work on, we can shoot better,” Head Coach Bob Bolden said about the shot selection.

The second half was physical as both teams were working the ball inside and trying to get points in the paint. Both teams combined for nine total personal fouls just four minutes into the third quarter. 

Ohio took a commanding lead of fourteen points in the third quarter. But the Revolutionaries would respond with a seven-point run. The Bobcats still never trailed ending the quarter up 41-32. Kate Dennis put up eight points with a perfect shooting percentage in the third quarter helping Ohio secure their lead. 

The final quarter was all Bailey Tabeling she scored seven of the team’s eleven points in the fourth. Tabeling also grabbed nine rebounds which set a new career high.  

The game ended with neither team being able to buy a bucket, the Revolutionaries shot 27% from the field while the Bobcats shot 29.1%. With a lack of offense, it was Ohio’s defense that stepped up, forcing nineteen turnovers.  

Kate Dennis was the game’s leading scorer with 15 points which was a career high for her. 

George Washington will head back home to face Towson on Nov. 20. 

The Bobcats will look to carry their momentum as they face nationally ranked Ohio State on Nov. 20.