Kent State University
2-1
Michigan
3-0
Flashes Drop Akron Classic Opener to No. 24 Michigan
11/15/2019 5:04:00 PM | Women's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio – The Kent State women's basketball team (2-1) suffered its first loss of the 2019 season at the hands of No. 24 Michigan (3-0) in the opening game of the Akron Classic.
"We just got beat by a bigger and better team," said head coach Todd Starkey. "Our youth showed up and when you play against teams that big and that good, your mistakes are magnified. Our quick shots, careless turnovers and lack of communication in transition was really exposed in a big way in the second half. We just have to continue to grow and learn. We have to have a short-term memory because we turn around and play tomorrow."
The Golden Flashes jumped out to a 16-12 lead after one quarter behind six points from Asiah Dingle, who led Kent State with 12 points in the contest.
Michigan started the second quarter on a 14-3 run and took a 31-25 lead into the locker room at halftime. The Wolverines never looked back and outscored the Flashes 57-28 in the second half to come away with an 88-53 victory.
Freshman Katie Shumate recorded her third-straight double-digit effort to start her Golden Flashes career. She scored 10 points on 4-for-9 from the field and grabbed four boards. Fellow freshman Nila Blackford dropped in eight points and led the Flashes with six rebounds.
Kent State is back in action at 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, against Purdue Fort Wayne to continue the Akron Classic at James A. Rhodes Arena.
