Preview: Ohio Bobcats at Akron Zips AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — A surging Ohio team will look to continue its climb in the Mid-American Conference standings when it visits struggling Akron on Wednesday night at James A. Rhodes Arena. The Ohio Bobcats (15-9) have won three of their last four, including a 71-61 home victory over Kent State last Saturday. They sit in a much stronger position than the Akron Zips (6-19), who are coming off a rare 75-68 overtime win at Northern Illinois but have lost 12 of their last 15 games. Ohio’s recent success has been fueled by consistent play, particularly from guard Elli Garnett. The sophomore is averaging 12.6 points over her last seven games, including a 19-point performance against Kent State. She provides a versatile scoring threat for a Bobcats offense that has eclipsed 70 points in three of its last four outings. Akron will counter with guard Natalie Johnson, who is coming off a season-high 18 points in the win over Northern Illinois. Her scoring outburst provided a bright spot for a Zips team that ranks near the bottom of the MAC in several offensive categories. Consistency has been an issue, however, as Johnson was held to three points in each of her two games prior. The teams met earlier this season in Athens, with Ohio securing a decisive 73-56 victory on Jan. 3. The Bobcats have dominated the recent series, winning the last five matchups. For Ohio, this game represents a critical opportunity to solidify its conference tournament seeding against a team below them in the standings. The Bobcats have shown resilience on the road this season, including a key win at Toledo on Feb. 10. Akron, meanwhile, will aim to build momentum from its overtime road win and attempt to protect its home court. The Zips have shown flashes, with home wins over Toledo and Buffalo in recent weeks, but have struggled to string together positive results. Wednesday’s contest is the first of a two-game homestand for Akron, which hosts Kent State on Saturday. Ohio continues its road swing at Ball State on Feb. 28 after a home game against Bowling Green on Feb. 25. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.