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Ohio's Erica Johnson looks to set up a player in the Bobcats game against Central Michigan in the MAC semifinals on March 12, 2021. (Photo: Bryan Kurp/WOUB)
Ohio’s Erica Johnson looks to set up a player in the Bobcats game against Central Michigan in the MAC semifinals on March 12, 2021. (Photo: Bryan Kurp/WOUB)

Ohio Women’s Basketball: Bobcats Fall in First Round of WNIT to Clemson

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It may not be the NCAA Tournament, but after a solid regular season and a trip to the MAC semifinals, the Bobcats earned a bid to the Women’s Postseason NIT.  The Bobcats traveled to Charlotte, N.C. to begin tournament play with hopes of a solid postseason run.

The WNIT was friendly to Ohio the last time around as the Bobcats won three games in the 2019 invitational before falling to Northwestern in the quarterfinals.

The Bobcats’ (14-9) time in the 2021 WNIT was short-lived though as they fell to their ACC opponent Clemson (12-13) in the opening round on Friday, 65-60.

MAC Player of the Year and AP All-America honorable mention Cece Hooks once again put up a solid day for the Bobcats, scoring 17 points and pulling in 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.  Gabby Burris matched Hooks with 17 points of her own.

Erica Johnson tacked on 11 points while freshman Madi Mace was the fourth Bobcat to reach double figures with 10 points.  In addition, Mace had five rebounds and three steals.

The Bobcats and Tigers were neck-and-neck pretty much the entire afternoon, but an 8-0 run from Clemson in the fourth quarter put Ohio in a hole that was tough to dig out of.

The Bobcats battled their way out of that hole though and Mace eventually gave Ohio a 60-59 lead with 48 seconds remaining.

Clemson responded with a Tylar Bennett jumpshot with 16 seconds left to put the Tigers back ahead.  After Delicia Washington stole the ball away on the following possession for Ohio, she was fouled by Gabby Burris and drained both free throws.

Ohio was later assessed a flagrant foul and Clemson capitalized with two more free throws to lock up the game.

The Bobcats were outrebounded by Clemson, 49-31, but Ohio forced seven more turnovers than the Tigers did.

Washington led the Tigers with 19 points and had seven rebounds.  Amari Robinson record a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds.  Gabby Elliott tacked on 16 points.

The Bobcats’ season is not over yet.  Ohio will battle Fordham in the consolation round on Saturday at 11 a.m. from Bojangles Coliseum.

Ohio's Erica Johnson (4) looks at the Bobcats' bench after hitting a three-pointer in the Bobcats' MAC semifinal game against Central Michigan on March 12, 2021. (Photo: Bryan Kurp/WOUB)
Ohio’s Erica Johnson (4) looks at the Bobcats’ bench after hitting a three-pointer in the Bobcats’ MAC semifinal game against Central Michigan on March 12, 2021. (Photo: Bryan Kurp/WOUB)