Kent State University
17-8,9-5MAC
Akron
15-10,6-8MAC
Flashes Zoom Past Zips in Rivalry Rout
2/18/2023 7:53:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio — The Kent State women's basketball team made eight of its first nine shots to open an early double-digit lead and set the tone in a dominant 87-46 Crystal Clinic Wagon Wheel Challenge win over Akron inside the M.A.C. Center on Saturday.
The Golden Flashes (17-8, 9-5 MAC) posted their largest margin of victory in the rivalry since Feb. 18, 1998, and secured a sweep in the season series.
Senior Katie Shumate and freshman Corynne Hauser were the offensive catalysts in the opening minutes, combining for 17 of Kent State's first 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Shumate finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season, while Hauser totaled 17 points and four assists.
The Flashes scored the most points in the first quarter against a Division I opponent this season, shooting 12-of-16 from the floor to lead 28-10 after 10 minutes of action.
Both teams found the bottom of the net at a high rate during the second period, and it was 48-30 at halftime.
Junior Casey Santoro led the way with nine points, just one fewer than the Zips, in the third quarter as the Kent State pushed it to 71-40 heading to the final 10 minutes.
The Flashes remained focused on the defensive end despite the large lead and held their rival without a field goal on seven attempts during the fourth period.
Graduate student Hannah Young and Santoro added 12 points and 11 points, respectively. Freshman Tatiana Thomas had career-highs with eight points and three blocks while grabbing seven rebounds.
Kent State dominated inside scoring, matching its season-high with 42 points in the paint compared to just 12 for the Zips. The Flashes had just seven turnovers and led 23-0 in points off turnovers.
The Flashes continue to seek clinching a spot in the upcoming Mid-American Conference Tournament when they return to action by hosting Ohio on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
