Kent State University
2-0,0-0MAC
Saint Francis (Pa.)
0-2,0-0NEC
Stifling Defense Keys Win in Women’s Hoops Home Opener
11/14/2021 6:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio — The Kent State women's basketball team locked down Saint Francis (Pa.) during Sunday afternoon's home opener at the M.A.C. Center and cruised to a 71-45 wire-to-wire victory.
The 45 points are fewest the Golden Flashes (2-0) have allowed against a Division I opponent since taking down NJIT, 57-40, on Dec. 21, 2018. In addition to limiting the Red Flash to 38.8% shooting on 19-of-49 from the floor, Kent State surrendered just three second-chance points on six offensive rebounds.
Junior Katie Shumate was the offensive catalyst for Kent State and scored 19 of her game-high 21 points prior to halftime. Junior Nila Blackford also scored in double-digits with 12 points.
Kent State held a 39-26 rebounding advantage. Senior Lindsey Thall grabbed a team-high seven boards and senior Hannah Young had six rebounds.
Sophomore Casey Santoro finished with five assists. Junior Clare Kelly had a career-high three steals.
Kent State will play its final game at the M.A.C. Center this month against John Carroll at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18.
