The University of Massachusetts women’s basketball team improved its record to 15-4 overall and 7-2 in the Mid-American Conference after defeating Ohio University 85-76 on Wednesday night at the Convocation Center in Athens.
Yahmani McKayle led UMass with a game-high 25 points, also contributing six rebounds and six assists. Megan Olbrys added 24 points and collected 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Chinenye Odenigbo, returning from injury for her first start back, scored 11 points and had five rebounds. Lilly Ferguson chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds.
UMass totaled 39 rebounds as a team, handed out 21 assists, and shot efficiently at over 54 percent from the field (33-of-61).
Megan Olbrys opened scoring for UMass with consecutive layups in the first minute and a half. After an early run by Ohio, UMass responded with several short runs of their own throughout the first half. Lilly Ferguson tied the game at 25 midway through the second quarter, while layups from Odenigbo and Perkins gave Massachusetts a brief lead before halftime. The Minutewomen trailed by three at halftime.
In the third quarter, an Odenigbo putback sparked an eight-point run that put UMass ahead. Yahmani McKayle hit multiple key three-pointers in the second half to keep UMass in front. “Olbrys connected a free throw to put the nail in the coffin, with Massachusetts taking an 85-76 victory.”
Four Minutewomen finished in double figures: McKayle (25), Olbrys (24), Odenigbo (11), and Ferguson (10). The team distributed 21 assists and collected 39 rebounds while shooting over 54 percent.
UMass will return home for a conference matchup against Eastern Michigan on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:00 p.m., which will be broadcast on ESPN+. Further information is available on umassathletics.com or via @UMassWBB on X (Twitter).
