KSU Batters Rams, 64-46
11/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio - The Kent State women's basketball team (4-1) used a dominating defensive performance to overcome a poor shooting day as the Flashes topped Rhode Island, 64-46, in the home opener Sunday at the M.A.C. Center.
The Flashes forced 19 turnovers, which turned into 20 points, while limiting the Rams to 32 percent shooting from the floor and 23 percent from three-point distance.
"I think us holding them to under 50 points really helped us out," senior forward Yoshica Spears said. "Defense is always an important thing, and I think that was our main focus today."
Despite shooting only 33 percent from the floor, three KSU players finished in double figures. Spears (Nome, Texas) led the team with 14 points and five assists. Jena Stutzman (Berlin, Ohio) added 12 points, and Chenel Harris (Mississauga, Ontario) had 10 points in 13 minutes off the bench.
Both teams got off to slow start as the score was tied at five after eight minutes; however, the Golden Flashes responded with an extended 26-8 run that saw the Flashes lead balloon to 19. After the run, the blue and gold entered the break with a 32-16 advantage.
In the second half, the Flashes continued to stretch the lead as it was pushed to 28 with 9:06 left. Rhode Island would chip away at the deficit, but the Rams couldn't get it below the 18-point final margin of defeat.
"We were good in places and rough in other places," KSU coach Bob Lindsay said. "I think there were spots where we played really well, and I think we got sloppy after we got a 25-point lead. I thought we were really good defensively in the first half and in parts of the second half."
While the Flashes struggled offensively, the team dominated Rhode Island statistically. KSU held an advantage in points in the paint (26-18), second-chance points (15-5), bench points (17-6) and steals (10-1).
"Doing the basics is always going to get you a 'W,' Spears added. "Sometimes hustle plays are what you really need when your offense is off; going to get the rebound, getting steals, boxing out and free throws. Those things help you out if you're not doing too well on offense."
In addition to the advantage on points, the Flashes only turned the ball over seven times, which is a school record and 10 below the team's season average. The previous record was eight last achieved against Northern Illinois on Feb. 13, 2008. The 46 points surrendered by KSU was the lowest point total allowed since Northern Illinois had 50 on Feb. 7, 2009.
It was also a record-tying day for Coach Lindsay. The victory placed him in a deadlock with former Toledo coach Bob Nichols for most coaching wins in Mid-American Conference basketball history with 376.
Megan Shoniker and Ashley Rivera paced the Rams (2-4) with 13 points apiece.
Lindsay will look to take sole possession of first place when KSU hosts Cleveland State on Saturday at 2 p.m. to continue the five-game home stand.
| Kent State/Rhode Island Box Score | |
| Kent State vs. Rhode Island Quotes |
