Ohio will battle reigning Mid-American Conference champion Central Michigan on Saturday in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The Chippewas handed the Bobcats their first loss of the season, an 88-70 defeat, when they first met Jan. 9 in The Convo, and both teams are in first place of their respective divisions.
Game information
Opponent: Central Michigan (16-5, 7-2 MAC)
Game time: 1 p.m.
Venue: McGuirk Arena
Watch: ESPN3
Listen: ohiobobcats.com
Meet the opponent
Starters
Presley Hudson (5-feet-6)
Reyna Frost (6-feet)
Micaela Kelly (5-feet-6)
Jahari Smith (6-feet-0)
Maddy Waters (5-feet-9)
Reserves
Kyra Bussell (6-feet-1)
Gabrielle Bird (6-feet-0)
Anika Weekes (5-feet-10)
Individual Statistical Leaders:
Points: Hudson (20.5)
Rebonds: Frost (13)
Assists: Hudson (5.8)
FG Pct: Frost (53.9 percent)
3-point percentage: Kelly (42.4 percent)
FT Pct: Hudson (92.1 percent)
The series
Ohio is 30-36 all-time against Central Michigan. The Bobcats have lost their last five games against the Chippewas and haven’t defeated them since 2016.
When Ohio previously played Central Michigan, the Chippewas’ offense dominated the game and shot 32-for-62 from the field and converted on 44 percent (11-for-25) of their 3-pointers. The Bobcats were out-rebounded 51-22 and shot 37.9 percent from the field.
Key player to watch
Presley Hudson — The senior scored 24 points in Central Michigan’s previous meeting with Ohio and is one of the most consistent shooters in the conference. The duo of Hudson and Frost, who is the MAC’s all-time rebound leader and scored 23 points against the Bobcats on Jan. 9, is the toughest one-two punch in the conference.
Ohio can give itself its best shot at a win if it slows down Hudson, who’s scored 21 points in each of her last three games. A win would give the Bobcats a legitimate claim as the best team in the MAC.
