Ohio’s last chance to snap its longest losing streak since 2014 before the Mid-American Conference tournament will come Saturday when rival Miami visits The Convo.
GAME INFORMATION
Opponent: Miami (11-18, 4-13 MAC)
Place: The Convo (Athens)
Time: 1 p.m.
How to watch: ESPN3
How to listen: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/ohio/
MEET THE OPPONENT
Head coach: DeUnna Hendrix (First season)
Probable starters
32 Savannah Kleusner
25 Peyton Scott
23 Kenzie Schmitz
13 Lauren Dickerson
24 Bree Paulson
Reserves
04 Vannessa Garrelts
35 Abbey Hoff
45 Tihanna Fulton
00 Monique Esbrand
54 Kelly McLaughlin
INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS
Points per game: Dickerson (16.9)
Rebounds per game: Kleusner (8.6)
Assists per game: Dickerson (4.7)
Steals: Dickerson (57)
Field goal percentage: Kleusner (.474)
3-point percentage: Hoff (.405)
Free throw percentage: Scott (.791)
TEAM STATS COMPARED TO OHIO
* Ohio’s stats are in parenthesis
Points per game: 72.0 (73.3)
Rebounds per game: 37.3 (35.8)
Assists per game: 14.45 (12.0)
Steals per game: 9.41 (10.96)
Field goal percentage: .401 (.410)
3-point percentage: .290 (.322)
Free throw percentage: .698 (.651)
Series History
Ohio trails the all-time series against Miami 35-57. Ohio last defeated the RedHawks in Oxford on Feb. 15, 84-70. Ohio has won the last three meetings against Miami.
Players to watch
For Miami, watch Savannah Kleusner. The Bobcats are the worst rebounding team in the MAC, and they may have their hands full with Kleusner. She’s strong in the paint, and Miami enjoys trying to create mismatches for her. If she’s sharp under the rim, she could cause a lot of problems for Ohio.
For Ohio, watch Cece Hooks. Miami is a team that has given Hooks some of her most difficult games. Whether it be having to guard Kleusner in the paint or matching up with Lauren Dickerson on the perimeter, Hook’s personal matchups will play a key role in how Ohio’s defense operates.
Why does this game matter?
Aside from this game being a rivalry game, Saturday is senior day. Ohio will honor Amani Burke and Maddie Bazelak prior to the game. This game also plays a major role in Ohio’s chances moving forward. The Bobcats need a win to rebuild their confidence and to possibly retake their first-round bye in the MAC Tournament. The Bobcats will need to beat the RedHawks, and Western Michigan needs to lose against Ball State or the Bobcats will have to host a first-round game at The Convo on Monday.
