Kent State University
7-3,6-1MAC
Toledo
8-8,4-8MAC
Kelly’s Career-High Scoring Performance Lifts Flashes Past Rockets in Overtime
2/8/2021 6:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio — Sophomore Clare Kelly sank six crucial free throws in the final minute of overtime to finish with a career-high 27 points as Kent State completed a season sweep of Toledo, 93-87, on Monday afternoon.
The Golden Flashes (7-3, 6-1 MAC) refused to allow two three-pointers by Rockets guard Sophia Wiard in the final 6.4 seconds of the fourth quarter dampen the mood inside of the M.A.C. Center and scored on 11 of 12 overtime possessions to secure its second victory in the past three days. After missing two of its final four free throws in regulation to keep the door open for Toledo to extend the game, Kent State shot 13-of-14 at the charity stripe during the extra period. Sophomore Katie Shumate scored nine of her 17 points during the five-minute session.
Just as in the team's first meeting this season back on December 13, the Flashes dominated the rebounding battle. Kent State had a 48-32 advantage on the boards and outrebounded Toledo by 36 over the two contests. Sophomore Nila Blackford grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds and scored 15 points for her sixth double-double this season.
Toledo made 12 of its first 17 shots and seemed to be in control with a 13-point lead less than a minute into the second quarter. The Flashes slowly chipped away and got within six late in the period before Wiard made a three-pointer in the closing seconds to push it to a 39-30 halftime lead.
Kent State scored the final seven points in the third quarter to begin a 15-2 run and go ahead 62-57 with 6:55 to play. The Flashes maintained that lead until Wiard's third three-pointer of the game went through the net with 0.2 seconds displaying on the clock.
Toledo won the tip to start overtime but missed two shots on the opening possession. Katie Shumate connected on a triple near the top of the arc on the other end of the court, and Kent State led the rest of the game.
Junior Lindsey Thall finished with 17 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Freshman Casey Santoro led the team with five assists and junior Mariah Modkins totaled four assists and four steals.
The top spot in the Mid-American Conference standings will be on the line when the Flashes host Bowling Green for the third game in five days at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10.
