Ohio will tip off its season when it takes on Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., on Tuesday in an attempt to repeat history from last season.
The Bobcats have faced the Fighting Irish twice before and both games ended with margin of victory of three points or less. The Fighting Irish defeated the Bobcats 95-92 in 1996, but the Bobcats hold the most recent win. On Nov. 27, 2020, the Bobcats upset the then-No. 22 Fighting Irish 86-85 in The Convo.
The late-November upset was Ohio’s second-ever win over a Top 25 opponent. Ohio hopes to start this season in a similar fashion.
Here’s what you need to know about Ohio’s season opener against Notre Dame:
Game information
Opponent: Notre Dame
Place: Purcell Pavilion, South Bend, Indiana
Time: 7 p.m.
How to watch: ACCNX
Meet the Opponent
Coach: Niele Ivey (second season)
Probable starters
00 Maya Dodson
01 Dara Mabrey
05 Olivia Miles
21 Anaya Peoples
34 Maddy Westbeld
Why this game matters
Ohio entered its name into the hat last season by defeating then-No. 22 Notre Dame. If it is able to defeat Notre Dame again, Ohio’s reputation will grow exponentially. Ohio is already a threat in the Mid-American Conference, but beginning the year with a win over a strong nonconference opponent could lengthen its time in the spotlight.
On the other hand, the win won’t come easy. Second-year coach Niele Ivey boasts more experience at the head of her program. Also, the Bobcats and Fighting Irish are both returning most of their lineups from last year. Neither team is going in blind this season, unlike last November.
All eyes are on Ohio on Tuesday night.
