Kent State University
6-23
Eastern Michigan University
20-10
Women's Basketball Season Ends in Strong Showing
3/7/2016 7:18:00 PM | Women's Basketball
YPSILANTI, Mich – No. 11 Kent State (6-23) put forth a solid effort in Monday night's Mid-American Conference Tournament opener, but could not contain No. 6 Eastern Michigan (20-10). The season came to an end in the 73-60 first round loss.
The Golden Flashes led 6-5 early after a layup by Jordan Korinek, but the Eagles followed with a pair of three-point makes to get ahead. The game became tied at 15, but another Eastern Michigan three put them ahead as the home team led 18-15 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second period, Kent State again notched things up, this time when Larissa Lurken drained a shot from beyond the arc. Eastern Michigan edged ahead again to lead 31-30 at the half.
The three-point shot continued to be a factor, as the Eagles opened the third period with one and then added two more after a steal to go up by six. The Flashes cut into that deficit with baskets by Korinek and McKenna Stephens until Lurken made another three to give Kent State the lead.
The third period continued to go back-and-forth until a 5-0 run to finish the period put the Eagles ahead by five heading into the final ten minutes of play. Eastern Michigan then led by as much as eight points in the closing minutes.
It was a game of free throws at the end, as Kent State tried to slow down the game. The Eagles, however, were able to connect on most attempts at the charity stripe to grow their lead to as much as 13 to end the game with the win.
Both teams shot impressively, with field goal percentages better than 46%. The Flashes outrebounded 31-28 while the Eagles sunk eight threes on 15 attempts.
Stephens had a career night with 19 points. She added in six rebounds to her effort. Korinek finished with 16 and a team-high eight rebounds. Lurken also reached double-figures with 11 points.
Eastern Michigan will now advance to face No. 3 Ball State on Wednesday night in Cleveland in the MAC Tournament quarterfinals.
