Kent State University
9-6,8-4MAC
Northern Illinois
11-8,9-5MAC
Flashes Use Historic First Quarter to Complete 2-0 Weekend in DeKalb
2/21/2021 7:50:00 PM | Women's Basketball
DEKALB, Ill. — One day after needing to rally in the fourth quarter, Kent State made nine three-point field goals in the first quarter to build a double-digit lead in an impressive 73-58 wire-to-wire victory at Northern Illinois on Sunday afternoon.
The Golden Flashes (9-6, 8-4 MAC) looked like the fresher team from the tip, despite playing their eighth contest in the past 19 days. Kent State led 8-0 just two minutes in on a layup by sophomore Katie Shumate and back-to-back three-pointers by junior Mariah Modkins. The Huskies answered with a triple of their own to get within five but never got any closer the rest of the game.
Clare Kelly got a friendly bounce from the rim inside of the Convocation Center as the first period buzzer sounded to give the Flashes a 33-17 lead and set a new record for most points scored in a quarter. The previous record was 31 during a fourth-quarter comeback against Robert Morris last season. Kent State's shooting performance over the first 10 minutes was nearly perfect, shooting 9-of-10 from long distance and 12-of-14 overall from the field. Four of the five starters contributed to the three-point barrage, with Kelly and junior Lindsey Thall both making all three of their attempts. Kelly scored 11 points in the quarter, which was more than all but two NIU players had for the entire game. The Flashes had 10 assists in the period, with Modkins and Shumate registering three each.
Although hot shooting is what allowed Kent State to build a comfortable lead, it was stellar defense that prevented the Huskies from putting together a run to get back into the game. Northern Illinois scored its fewest points of the season and shot just 19-of-50 from the floor for 38 percent, it lowest against a Mid-American Conference opponent. The Flashes dominated the rebounding battle, 42-23, against a team that entered the weekend with the best rebounding margin in the conference. The Huskies had just four second chance points on four offensive rebounds, and half of those came in the final minute once the benches were cleared.
Clare Kelly scored a game-high 19 points and matcher her career-best with five three-point field goals. Lindsey Thall finished with 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots. Nila Blackford recorded her 10 double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Katie Shumate was the fourth Flash in double-figures with 12 points. Junior Hannah Young matched her season-high with eight rebounds. Young provided great energy and tracked down four key offensive boards during the third period when shots were not falling.
Kent State will host the annual Play4Kay game against Buffalo on Wednesday, February 24.
