Kent State University
12-9, 5-5MAC
Ohio
15-7, 8-3MAC
Second Half Turnovers Costly in Road Setback at MAC East Leader Ohio
2/8/2020 5:39:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ATHENS, Ohio – Kent State took excellent care of the basketball in building a six-point halftime lead but live-ball turnovers that allowed host Ohio to have transition scoring opportunities over the final 20 minutes resulted in a 63-57 setback on Saturday at Convocation Center.
The Golden Flashes (12-9, 5-5 MAC) are the first Mid-American Conference team to hold the East Division-leading Bobcats below 70 points. Syracuse and Butler are the only opponents that Ohio has made fewer field goals against all season.
Kent State shot 17-of-34 in the first half to lead 37-31 at the break. The Flashes recorded nine assists to only five turnovers in the half. In the second half, Ohio forced 12 turnovers and converted them into 14 points. Many of these points came before Kent State's defense was able to set, as the Bobcats led 12-1 in fast break scoring in the second half.
Freshman Katie Shumate led the Flashes with 15 points, career-high 13 rebounds and four assists. Freshman Nila Blackford and sophomore Asiah Dingle totaled 10 points and seven boards apiece.
Kent State scored 42 points in the paint, its second-most against a Division I opponent this season. The Flashes grabbed 45 rebounds, which matches the most against a Division I opponent.
The Flashes will visit rival Akron in the first Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge matchup of the season on Wednesday, February 12. Tip from James A. Rhodes Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.
