Kent State University
10-6, 3-2MAC
Miami
8-9, 1-4MAC
Dingle’s Late Free Throws Lift Flashes Over RedHawks
1/18/2020 5:47:00 PM | Women's Basketball
OXFORD, Ohio – Asiah Dingle sank a pair of free throws to put Kent State back in the lead with 7.9 to play in Saturday afternoon's 78-75 victory over Miami inside of Millett Hall. Nila Blackford then picked up a ball that had been knocked loose by Lindsey Thall and drove the length of the court for a layup and final score.
The Golden Flashes (10-6, 3-2 MAC) had to play from behind despite going ahead 71-58 at the 5:29 mark on a layup and free throw by Dingle. However, the RedHawks connected on five consecutive three-point shots and took a 76-75 lead on a layup with 1:17 to play. Kent State shot 4-for-5 at the foul line during the stretch and did not make another field goal until Blackford's lay-in in the closing seconds.
"We dodged some bullets there but it's nice to get a win no matter how it happens," head coach Todd Starkey said. "I thought Miami did a great job of being resilient. We need to get better at pressure situations with this young team. This team still has so much room to grow, and we want to improve as we head into late January."
The freshman duo of Nila Blackford and Katie Shumate was sensational for the Flashes. Blackford led all scorers with 23 points on 11-of-18 shooting and pulled down eight boards. Shumate registered her second double-double with 18 points and game-high 11 rebounds.
After being limited to 12 minutes of action due to foul trouble during the first three periods, Asiah Dingle was unstoppable down the stretch. The sophomore scored 11 of her 18 points during the final quarter. Classmate Lindsey Thall sank three three-pointers and finished with 11 points and team-best three assists. In addition to making a big knockaåway on the final defensive possession, Thall rejected four shots in the game.
Winners of three in a row, Kent State will not be in action on Wednesday and then returns to the M.A.C. Center for the final two games of the month. The Flashes will host Buffalo on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Ball State on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
