Kent State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Lurken's Double-Double Leads Flashes to 80-67 Victory
11/14/2016 9:54:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio – After an 80-67 victory against Eastern Kentucky Monday night, Kent State is off to a 2-0 start for the first time since the 2010-11 season. That year, the Golden Flashes finished second in the East Division and finished with twenty wins.
Kent State won those two games by a combined 24 points. This season, the team has beat its opponents by a combined 38.
The Colonels won the tip and the first basket of the night but the Flashes took over at both ends, going on a 12-0 run by holding the opposition scoreless for nearly four minutes.
Another 12-0 run gave Kent State a 47-26 lead at the half as their defense continued to be a problem for the Colonels. The Flashes scored 16 of their first-half points off turnovers, only gave Eastern Kentucky one trip to the free-throw line. The offense did its part, shooting 64.3% including 17 points from Larissa Lurken in the opening twenty minutes.
Eastern Kentucky was able to get some momentum going to start the second half due to some turnovers and fouls committed by Kent State. However, that rhythm was stymied after the Colonels had a personal foul and dead ball contact fall that allowed Lurken to step up the line and make four free throws. With the possession going to Kent State after Lurken's trip to the charity stripe, the mistake by the Colonels gave the Flashes another two points as Ali Poole sunk a shot just before the buzzer to put the home team up 65-51 at the end of the third.
Kent State's lead dropped to nine points with three minutes left on the clock, but a free throw, offensive rebound and layup by Chelsi Watson was able to knotch the 13-point victory for the Flashes.
Kent State was 50% from the field and hit 21 of 30 free throws. They dominated the boards, outrebounding 42-21. Lurken logged a double-double with 27 points and ten rebounds. Jordan Korinek was close, with 20 points and nine rebounds. Watson also had a nice game with 11 points eight rebounds. Naddiyah Cross had one of her best games with nine assists and only one turnover.
The team remains home this week as they host Robert Morris on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at kentstatesports.com or by calling 330-672-2244.
