Kent State University
1-94-16; MAC
Miami University (OH)
3-69-11; MAC
Close Game Falls Away From Flashes in 55-52 Final
2/3/2016 9:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball
OXFORD, Ohio – It was a battle in Millett Hall Wednesday night, with a shot at the buzzer to tie the game falling short and resulting in a 55-52 loss for Kent State (4-16, 1-9) against Miami (9-11, 3-6).
Paige Salisbury got the scoring started in the game but then the Flashes did not score a basket for the next four minutes, allowing the RedHawks to take a very slight early lead, as the home team struggled to score on the onset as well.
An old-fashioned three-point play from Tyra James and jumper from Jordan Korinek towards the end the first quarter brought the deficit closer. Alexa Golden banked in a shot from beyond the arc at the buzzer to give Kent State a 12-11 advantage at the end of the opening frame. The Flashes ended the quarter on an 8-0 run.
Miami was able to get a quick glimpse of the lead in the second, but a 9-0 run capped off by a James trey forced the RedHawks to call a timeout as they found themselves down by eight. Kent State led 27-25 at the midway point.
The game became knotted at 30 points at the seven-minute mark in the 3rd before Miami took a two-point lead. That advantage was also diminished quickly, this time by a three by McKenna Stephens to end a 0-for-5 scoring drought.
The game became tied for the fifth time on the night when both teams had netted 39. A Larissa Lurken two and an offensive foul on the other end led to a Salisbury three, allowing the Golden Flashes to get back in front 44-39 heading into the final period of play.
Miami refused to go away in the game, yet again coming back and tying the game at 44 shortly into the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the RedHawks would take the lead and hang on to this one, but the Flashes sure made it an exciting finish. Down by three with 6.2 seconds left in the game, Kent State got the ball at mid court. James threw up a contested three at the buzzer but it bounced off the rim as time expired.
Kent State's defense forced 22 turnovers on the night and scored 24 points off of them while also adding in 12 steals. Miami won the rebound battle 42 to 36.
Lurken led the team in scoring and rebounding with 13 and seven, respectively. Watson also finished with seven rebounds. Salisbury, Korinek and James all finished with eight points.
The Golden Flashes return home this Saturday in double-header with the men's team; both teams take on Toledo. The women are scheduled to tipoff at 5 p.m.
