ATHENS, OHIO – In a thrilling back-and-forth contest that went down to the wire, the UMBC Retrievers overcame a 17-point second-quarter deficit to defeat the Ohio Bobcats 62-58 in the first round of the WNIT on Thursday night. The victory marks the Retrievers’ first postseason win since a 61-49 triumph over Fairfield in the WBIT in 2016, signaling a significant moment for the program and head coach Craig Beals.
The game, played in Athens, Ohio, saw the Bobcats jump out to an early lead, fueled by a three-pointer from Rere Jenning that put them ahead 27-10 with just under three minutes remaining in the second quarter. Still, the Retrievers refused to fold, chipping away at the deficit throughout the second half. This WNIT matchup showcased the resilience of the UMBC team and their ability to perform under pressure.
UMBC’s comeback began with a late second-quarter surge, capped by a three-pointer from Gabby Scott with 11 seconds left before halftime, narrowing the gap to 13 points. The Retrievers continued to build momentum in the third quarter, with Alaina Williams’ free throws and a bucket from Delaney Yarborough bringing them within five points by the 3:11 mark. Yarborough’s tip-in with 1:41 remaining further reduced the deficit to just two points.
The fourth quarter saw a seesaw battle, with Ohio briefly extending their lead before a determined UMBC run. A three-pointer from Carmen Yánez, followed by a triple from Scott and a proceed-ahead basket from Jade Tillman, gave the Retrievers their first lead of the game. Despite a late response from Ohio’s Bailey Tabeling, UMBC managed to tie the game at 58-58 with nine seconds left, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Tillman’s clutch three-pointer put UMBC ahead, and Kennedy Austin sealed the victory with key baskets and free throws in the final minutes. Austin finished the game with 12 points and five rebounds, while Tillman led the Retrievers in scoring with 13 points and five rebounds. Her consistent scoring has been a hallmark of the season, as she’s now reached double figures in 24 consecutive games.
Retrievers’ Balanced Attack Key to Victory
While Tillman and Austin led the way, UMBC’s victory was a team effort. Heidi Williams contributed 10 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double, and Delaney Yarborough added eight points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Gabby Scott also chipped in with nine points and seven rebounds, demonstrating the Retrievers’ depth and versatility.
“It was a total team effort tonight,” said a source close to the team, who requested anonymity. “Everyone contributed, and we showed a lot of heart coming back from that large deficit.”
Looking Ahead: Matchup with Marshall
UMBC’s reward for their hard-fought victory is a trip to Huntington, West Virginia, to face Marshall in the next round of the WNIT. The game is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Historical data between the two teams suggests a competitive matchup.
Marshall finished the regular season with a strong record and will present a formidable challenge for the Retrievers. The game will be a test of UMBC’s ability to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive postseason run. The Marshall Thundering Herd are preparing for the matchup, as indicated by the game appearing on their athletics calendar.
Tillman on the Verge of Scoring Milestone
Jade Tillman is on the cusp of reaching a significant milestone, needing just 11 more points to become the sixth player in UMBC history to score 500 points in a single season. Currently, she has 489 points, placing her seventh all-time on the Retrievers’ single-season scoring list. Her consistent scoring prowess has been instrumental to UMBC’s success this season.
The Retrievers will demand Tillman to continue her stellar play as they head into their next game against Marshall. The team’s ability to execute their game plan and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be crucial to their chances of advancing further in the WNIT tournament. The upcoming game against Marshall represents a significant opportunity for UMBC to continue their impressive postseason journey and make a statement on the national stage.
UMBC’s victory over Ohio was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and determination. As they prepare to face Marshall, the Retrievers will look to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of a WNIT championship. The game on Monday promises to be an exciting contest, and fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two talented teams.
The next confirmed update will be the official game result from the UMBC vs. Marshall matchup on March 23rd. Stay tuned to UMBC athletics channels for further details.
What did you think of UMBC’s comeback victory? Share your thoughts and predictions for the next game in the comments below!
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