As the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026, Ohio Athletics is ready to dive into Mid-American Conference (MAC) play with excitement surrounding its men’s and women’s basketball teams, along with wrestling. This week’s Paw Prints, presented by Memorial Health System, highlights the upcoming matchups.
In men’s basketball, the Ohio Bobcats (5-7, 0-1 MAC) have two critical games lined up in Michigan. They kick off the new year on Saturday, December 30, facing Central Michigan (4-8, 0-1 MAC) at McGurik Arena in Mount Pleasant at 3 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+, while those in attendance can also stay tuned to the Ohio Sports Network, featuring the familiar voices of Jason Toy and college basketball analyst Dave Cecutti.
Following their game against Central Michigan, the Bobcats will travel to Ypsilanti to take on Eastern Michigan (6-7, 0-1 MAC) on January 3 at 2 p.m. ET at the Gervin GameAbove Center, again available on ESPN+. Ohio’s momentum is building following a convincing non-conference victory over Miami-Hamilton on December 22, where they triumphed, 102-59, showcasing a strong performance with seven players scoring in double figures. Senior Jackson Paveletzke leads the team with an impressive average of 16.8 points and 4.0 assists per game.
Central Michigan enters their matchup following a loss to Northern Illinois and a defeat against Wisconsin, while Eastern Michigan is coming off back-to-back losses, including a recent loss to Wright State. The Eagles are backed by standout performances from players like Mohammad Habhab and Carlos Hart, who lead their scoring efforts.
As Ohio prepares for these pivotal games, the Bobcats look to capitalize on their recent form and open the new year on a high note as they continue to navigate the competitive landscape of MAC play. The energy surrounding these upcoming contests promises an exciting start to 2026 for Ohio Athletics, and fans are encouraged to rally behind the teams as they strive for victory.