Kent State University
Northern Illinois
4-11, 0-4MAC
Kent State Holds on for 79-71 Win at NIU
1/15/2020 10:12:00 PM | Women's Basketball
DEKALB, Ill. – Sophomore Hannah Young pulled down three crucial defensive rebounds in the final 30 seconds to help Kent State hold off a late Northern Illinois rally and leave the Convocation Center with a 79-71 victory on Wednesday night.
The Golden Flashes (9-6, 2-2 MAC) extended the lead to 15 with 2:19 to play following two free throws by Lindsey Thall that concluded a possession that featured four offensive rebounds and took more than a minute off the clock. The host Huskies answered with a quick 11-0 run. Freshmen Nila Blackford shook off a turnover that gave NIU the ball with 41.7 remaining in a 75-71 game with terrific individual defense against All-MAC wing Courtney Woods on the next two plays, forcing missed shots that were rebounded by Young.
"We went into panic mode a little bit there at the end but found a way to win," head coach Todd Starkey said. "Any road win in the league is good. This is my first time winning here. It's a tough building to come into and get a win. Northern Illinois is much better than its record and a dangerous team."
Asiah Dingle paced Kent State with 20 points and five steals. The sophomore's quick hands were part of a defense that forced 24 giveaways, as Kent State led 33-18 in points off turnovers.
Freshman Nila Blackford scored the majority of her 19 points around the basket to lead the Flashes to a 42-22 advantage in paint points. Classmate Katie Shumate added 11 points and seven boards. Both players shared the team lead with four assists.
Kent State received 21 points off the bench, the most against a Division I opponent this season. Hannah Young provided a huge lift and totaled 14 points and eight rebounds to match her previous career-best in both categories.
The Flashes will remain on the road and visit Miami on Saturday at 2 p.m.
