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Bobcats Prepare for Home Opener Against Columbia After Prosperous Season Start
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The Ohio women’s basketball team (1-0, 0-0 MAC) returns to the convocation Center to host Columbia (1-0, 0-0 IVY) on Sunday, Nov. 9, with tip-off scheduled for 12 p.m. ET and live coverage available on ESPN+. The Bobcats are looking to build on a strong start to the 2025-26 season and establish a dominant home-court advantage.
Scouting Columbia: A resilient Opponent
Columbia enters Sunday’s matchup with a 1-0 record, having secured a hard-fought 74-69 overtime victory against Butler.The Lions are averaging 74.0 points per game, shooting 40.0% from the field, 27.8% from the three-point line, and 59.1% from the free-throw line. They demonstrate a well-rounded game, averaging 39 rebounds, 13 assists, and an impressive 15 steals per game, while forcing 29 turnovers and capitalizing with 28 points off those turnovers.
Though, Columbia’s opponents have also proven capable, averaging 69.0 points per game with a 50.0% field goal percentage and 28.6% from beyond the arc. Opponents manage 37 rebounds, 14 assists, and eight steals, forcing 18 turnovers and scoring 18 points off them.
Bobcats’ Strong Start and Key Statistics
Ohio also begins the season with a 1-0 record,having defeated Texas State 72-66 in a competitive road game on Monday,Nov. 3. The Bobcats are currently averaging 72.0 points per game, shooting 42.6% from the field, 25.0% from the arc, and 67.9% from the free-throw line. Their aggressive defense has been a key factor, averaging 30 rebounds, 13 assists, and 17 steals, forcing an impressive 34 turnovers and converting them into 28 points.
Despite their strong offensive and defensive showing, Ohio’s opponents have managed to shoot 48.0% from the field,47.8% from the three-point line, and 63.6% from the free-throw line, averaging 66.0 points, 32 rebounds, 13 assists, and 10 steals. Opponents have forced 23 turnovers, resulting in 26 points. .
Recent History: Columbia Holds the Edge
The all-time series between Ohio and Columbia currently favors the Lions, 1-0. Their last meeting occurred during the 2022-23 season, resulting in a 91-59 victory for Columbia. The Bobcats will be eager to even the score and secure their first win against their Ivy League counterparts.
Bobcats’ Victory Over Texas State: A recap
In their season opener, the Ohio women’s basketball team showcased resilience and determination in their 72-66 win over Texas State. The Bobcats shot 42.6% from the field,25.0% from the arc, and 67.9% from the free-throw line, finishing with 30 rebounds, 13 assists, three blocks, and 17 steals.
Ohio’s success stemmed from their strong interior game and ability to capitalize on turnovers, scoring 30 points in the paint and 28 points off turnovers. Graduate student Elli Garnett led the team in scoring with 20 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field, 3-for-6 from the arc, and 5-for-6 from the line. Junior Asiah Baxter was the team’s leading rebounder with six rebounds and 13 points, while junior Bailey Tabeling contributed a team-high four assists and four steals.
The game remained closely contested in the first quarter,ending in a 16-16 tie. Ohio gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Texas State 22-13 and taking a 38-29 lead into halftime. Texas State responded in the third
Looking Ahead
In the 2025-26 Mid-
