Kent State University
Akron
Women’s Basketball Heads Down the Road Wednesday for Wagon Wheel Challenge Matchup
2/11/2020 3:35:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kent State will make the short trip to James A. Rhodes Arena on Wednesday evening for a Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge matchup. Tip-off is against the rival Zips is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Golden Flashes (12-9, 5-5 MAC) went on the road Saturday and gave unanimous Mid-American Conference preseason favorite Ohio all it could handle but fell short in a 63-57 setback. Kent State held the Bobcats to seven fewer points than they had scored in any of their fist 10 league games and just 33.9-percent shooting from the field. The Flashes recorded nine assists to only five turnovers in taking a 37-31 lead into the locker room. After the break, Ohio forced 12 turnovers to push the pace and outscored KSU 12-1 in fast break points in the second half. Katie Shumate led the Flashes with 15 points, and career-high 13 rebounds. Nila Blackford and Asiah Dingle both added 10 points and seven boards
Five Golden Flashes are scoring in double-figures for the season. Freshman Nila Blackford is posting team-leading averages of 13.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Sophomore Asiah Dingle (12.7 ppg) leads the Flashes in assists (3.4 apg) and steals (1.9 spg). Redshirt senior Megan Carter (11.9 ppg) has scored in double-digits in 10 of her past 13 contests against Division I opponents. Freshman Katie Shumate (11.7 ppg) has displayed a versatile skill set and ranks in the top-two on the team in rebounding (6.7 rpg), steals (25) and blocked shots (20). Sophomore Lindsey Thall (10.8 ppg) is the MAC's top shot blocker (1.9 bpg) and ranks fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.375).
Scouting Akron
Akron (10-11, 3-7 MAC) is coming off its second-lowest scoring game of the season in a 60-62 loss at Ball State on Saturday. The Zips have lost three of the last four games and are 5-5 at home this season. Offensively, Akron averages 67.5 points per game, which ranks 10th in the conference.
Forward Haliegh Reinoehl posts a team-best 15.0 points per game while grabbing 8.0 rebounds per game, which is fourth-most in the MAC. Forward Jordyn Dawson has made an impact in her first season with the Zips after playing two years at Wabash Valley College with averages of 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. Seniors Shaunay Edmonds (9.1 ppg), Caitlin Vari (7.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg) and Shayna Harmon (6.6 ppg) are also key contributors for a veteran Akron core group.
Series History
• Kent State is 53-16 all-time vs. Akron.
• The Golden Flashes own a 24-11 record in games played at Akron.
• However, the Zips have won six of the past eight meetings at the James A. Rhodes Arena.
• The Flashes' 18-game winning streak from Jan. 8, 2000 through Feb, 23, 2008 is the longest for either school.
• Kent State is 5-1 vs. Akron under fourth-year head coach Todd Starkey.
TV / Radio
Dave Wilson will be on the call on 640 WHLO and the Golden Flashes iHeartRadio channel, while Michael Reghi and Jacki Windon will bring the action on ESPN+.
Next Up for Kent State
The Golden Flashes will return to the M.A.C. Center for the annual Play4Kay game against Toledo on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m.
