Kent State University
Michigan
Golden Flashes to Battle No. 24 Wolverines and Mastodons at Akron Classic
11/14/2019 1:48:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kent State returns to action this weekend and will play two games at the Akron Classic inside of James A. Rhodes Arena. The Golden Flashes are slated to take on No. 24 Michigan on Friday at 2 p.m. and then Purdue Fort Wayne at 12 p.m. Saturday.
2019 Akron Classic Schedule
Friday, November 15
2 p.m.        Kent State vs. #24 Michigan
Saturday, November 16
12 p.m.      Kent State vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
The Golden Flashes (2-0) look to begin the season with four wins for the first time since 2010-11, when they started 6-0. Despite trailing for nearly 60 minutes total during the first two games, Kent State has outscored its opponents 51-32 during the fourth quarter and one overtime period to complete come-from-behind efforts on the road.
Five players have scored in double-figures in both contests and four Flashes are averaging 15 or more points per game. Freshman Katie Shumate leads the way with 16.5 points per game and has scored 25 of her 33 points after halftime. Sophomore Lindsey Thall (16.0 ppg) matched her career-high with 22 points in the opener at Duquesne and leads the Flashes in three-pointers (6) and blocks (6). Sophomore Asiah Dingle (15.5 ppg) made all three of her field goals and totaled seven points in the overtime period on Saturday at YSU. Redshirt senior Megan Carter (15.0 ppg) has scored half of her points during the final five minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime, including the game-winner with 0.2 on the clock at Duquesne last Tuesday. Freshman Nila Blackford adds 12.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per contest.
Scouting #24 Michigan
The 24th-ranked Wolverines coasted to victories against Western Michigan and Bradley last weekend. All five starters are listed at 6'0 or taller, and Michigan has used its size advantage to hold opponents to 56.0 points per game on 30.6-percent shooting. The Wolverines are averaging 6.5 blocks per game and outrebounding the opposition by 9.5.
All-Big Ten First Team performer Naz Hillmon leads UM with 13.0 points per game while grabbing 8.0 rebounds per game. Named to the preseason watch list for the Katrina McClain Award, which recognizes the top power forward in women's basketball, Hillmon served as captain for the USA Basketball team that captured gold at the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup in July. Point guard Amy Dilk (12.5 ppg) leads the team with averages of 10.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest. Forward Kayla Robbins adds 12.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
Scouting Purdue Fort Wayne
The Mastodons (2-1) fell at home to Ball State, 83-52, on Tuesday night to fall from the ranks of the unbeaten. Selected to finish last in the Summit League after going 7-22 a year ago, Purdue Fort Wayne opened the season with victories against Purdue Northwest and UIC.
A trio of guards are averaging double-digit points through three games. Freshman Riley Ott is the team's top scorer at 14.0 points per game. Senior Hannah Albrecht adds 13.7 points per game and is coming off a career-high 21-point performance against Ball State. Junior Michelle Nicholls, a transfer from La Salle, adds 10.0 points per game. Forward Sh'Toya Sanders is the top frontcourt and averages 9.7 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Series History vs. Michigan
• Kent State is 0-5 all-time vs. Michigan with each game being played in Ann Arbor.
• The Golden Flashes and Wolverines met twice during calendar year 2017. last The Wolverines earned a 67-60 victory in the first round of the WNIT and went on to win the tournament title.
• Nine months later, Michigan earned a 54-51 victory inside of the Crisler Center.
• Kent State is 5-34 all-time vs. schools currently in the Big Ten.
Series History vs. Purdue Fort Wayne
• Kent State is 1-1 all-time vs. Purdue Fort Wayne.
• The Flashes won the most recent matchup, 66-55, on Nov. 30, 2016 at the M.A.C. Center.
• The Mastodons won the first-ever meeting, 86-68, on Nov. 19, 2015 in Fort Wayne.
Radio
Be games can be heard on the Golden Flashes iHeartRadio channel. Dave Wilson will have the call on Friday with Rob Polinsky calling the action on Saturday.
Next Up For Kent State
The Golden Flashes will open the home schedule against Ohio State on Thursday, Nov. 21 with tip-off scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.
