Kent State University
16-8,8-5MAC
Buffalo
9-13,4-9MAC
Flashes Rally to Win in Buffalo
2/15/2023 9:09:00 PM | Women's Basketball
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Kent State held Buffalo to three points over the final five minutes and scored on its final four possessions for a hard-fought 72-69 victory on Wednesday.
The Golden Flashes (16-8, 8-5 MAC) outscored their host 18-10 in the fourth quarter to earn their first victory at Alumni Arena since Jan. 8, 2011.
With shots from the perimeter not falling at the normal rate, Kent State attacked the basket and finished with 42 points in the paint to tie its most this season. The Flashes also took great care of the ball and committed a season-low four turnovers.
A corner three-point field goal by sophomore Jenna Batsch got Kent State within 61-60 early in the fourth quarter. After a defensive stop, Batsch was unable to find the bottom of the basket on an attempt from the opposite corner, and the Bulls connected from long range to make it 64-60 with 7:11 to play.
Junior Casey Santoro scored a fast break layup following a steal and graduate student Lindsey Thall scored inside to tie it at 64-64. Buffalo made a layup to retake the lead, but was held scoreless by the Flashes' defense for more than four minutes to follow.
A steal by senior Katie Shumate led to a fast break basket by Batsch to put Kent State ahead 68-66 with 3:12 to play. Thall blocked a shot at the other end of the floor and Shumate split two free throw attempts to lead by three. Santoro added a layup but Buffalo made a three-pinter with 54 seconds left to get within 71-69. Kent State split free throw attempts again and forced Buffalo into a contested three-point attempt in the closing seconds to secure the victory.
Santoro matched her season-high with 16 points, as four players scored in double-figures. Thall shot 7-for-7 inside the arc and finished with 15 points. Batsch had a career-high 13 points and Shumate added 11 while grabbing nine rebounds.
Kent State returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 18 for a Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge contest against Akron at the M.A.C. Center. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m.
