Kent State University
Toledo
Women’s Basketball Visits Toledo Sunday Afternoon
12/12/2020 4:29:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kent State will play its third game in five days when it travels to Toledo for a Mid-American Conference matchup at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Golden Flashes (1-2, 1-0 MAC) made a program-record 16 three-point field goals on Friday to defeat Ohio, 84-80, in the conference opener. Kent State had six players contribute to an impressive 16-of-28 performance from long range and recorded the most assists (22) in a game against a Division I opponent since February 8, 2017 vs. Eastern Michigan. A rare eight-point possession early in the fourth quarter allowed Kent State to turn a two-point deficit into a six-point lead, which it never relinquished. Six Flashes scored in double-figures, led by Katie Shumate's 18 points. Mariah Modkins (15) and Casey Santoro (14) had career-high scoring games. Clare Kelly drained a team-high four three-pointers and finished with 14 points. Nila Blackford registered her first double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Lindsey Thall had 11 points and season-best four blocked shots.
Kent State features a balanced offense once again this season. Four players are averaging at least 9.0 points per game, six have posted double-figure scoring nights and three more have scored at least six points in a contest. Sophomore Nila Blackford leads the way with averages of 11.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Junior Lindsey Thall is right behind at 11.0 points per game and is the top shot blocker (1.7 bpg) in the MAC for the third year in a row. Junior Mariah Modkins (10.7 ppg) is having a breakout season and leads the Flashes in three-pointers (6), three-point field goal percentage (.545), assists (11) and steals (3). Sophomore Katie Shumate adds 9.0 points per game despite playing just 15 minutes in each of the first two games.
Scouting Toledo
After a pair of home wins against Horizon League schools to begin the season, the Rockets (3-0, 1-0 MAC) went on the road and defeated Northern Illinois, 82-79, in its conference opener Thursday evening. The game was tied heading into the fourth quarter, Toledo needed an 11-of-15 shooting performance from the floor to escape DeKalb with a victory. Sophomore Sophia Wiard had a breakout night for the Rockets, tying the school record with 42 points on 16-of-25 shooting overall and 7-of-10 from behind the three-point arc.
The MAC's third-highest scorer at 23.7 points per game, Wiard owns a conference-best 2.5 assist-to-turnover ratio and grabs 6.3 rebounds per contest. Backcourt mate Quinesha Lockett is another big-scoring threat and is averaging 18.0 points per game. Freshman Sammi Miknowicz adds 10.0 points and team-high 9.3 rebounds per game.
Series History
• Kent State is 33-42 all-time vs. Toledo.
• The teams split last season's series with the home winning both matchups.
• The Golden Flashes' three-game win streak inside of Savage Arena prior to a 69-60 setback on February 1.
• The Rockets are 24-13 overall as the home team in the series.
• Kent State avenged that loss with an 87-68 victory on February 15.
• The Flashes are 5-2 vs. Toledo under fifth-year head coach Todd Starkey.
• Toledo had won nine straight matchups prior to Starkey's arrival.
Broadcast Info
Clint Scroggs will be on the call on the Kent State Radio Network. The game will also be streamed on ESPN+.
Next Up For Kent State
The Golden Flashes will conclude non-conference action against Duquesne on Monday, December 21. Tip from the M.A.C. Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.
