Flashes Thump Akron On Senior Day
2/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Kent, Ohio
- La'kia Stewart buried 9-of-11 shots and the Kent State defense forced 26 turnovers as the Golden Flashes pummeled Akron Saturday afternoon (Feb. 17) 88-58 at the M.A.C. Center on Senior Day. Stewart's game-high 19 points led four Flashes in double figures as KSU (13-11, 9-4 MAC) clinched a winning record in Mid-American Conference play for 17th consecutive season.
Akron's only leads came early in the game before Kent State went on a 16-4 run heading into the second media timeout (11:33) and led 20-10. The Flashes continued to build their lead behind aggressive defense and a balanced offensive attack and held a 45-25 halftime lead. Stewart and Jamilah Humes each tallied 12 points before the break.
"We played well defensively," said Head Coach Bob Lindsay. "Our steals and defensive intensity made a major difference in the game."
A three-pointer by Asheley Harkins midway through the second boosted the margin above 30 points (70-39) as KSU led by as many as 37 (85-48) with five minutes to play. Stewart along with senior classmates Tiffany LaFleur, Kristin Peoples and Mallorie Griffith shot a combined 10-of-13 from the field in the second half.
"We played for each other today on Senior Day and we played hard," said Stewart, who finished with a game-high seven rebounds along with three assists and three steals.
"This was a great win for us to get us back on our feet," said Peoples, who recorded 14 points, four assists and three steals.
Humes matched career-highs of 17 points and five assists and added four steals. LaFleur ended the day 4-of-5 from the floor with nine points and four rebounds.
"I will remember this group of seniors for who they are off the court as much as on the court," said Lindsay. "They are very good students and very good people."
Nikki McCoy led three Zips in double figures with 11 points, but committed five turnovers. Akron (9-16, 2-11) made only 9-of-26 field goals in the opening half and went 7-of-14 at the line for game. KSU shot 53 percent from the floor in both halves and outrebounded the Zips 43-31.
Kent has dominated their area rival winning 16 straight. The Flashes lead the all-time series 41-4 and 21-1 in Kent.
KSU has won 31 straight games when holding opponents under 60 points, including six this season. Winning their third straight home game, the Golden Flashes improved to 7-1 at the M.A.C. Center this season.
The Golden Flashes, who remain in second place in the MAC East, will host division leader and 17th ranked Bowling Green (23-2, 12-0 MAC) Tuesdsay night at the M.A.C. Center.
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