Kent State University
13-6,7-2MAC
Ball State
19-2,9-0MAC
Defense Battles in Loss at Ball State
1/31/2024 9:33:00 PM | Women's Basketball
MUNCIE, Ind. — Kent State held Mid-American Conference leader Ball State to its second-lowest scoring total of the season but struggled to knock down shots in a 57-46 setback Wednesday night at Worthen Arena.
Despite shooting just 32.8% from the field and 4-of-17 at the free throw line, the Golden Flashes (13-6, 7-2 MAC) were able to stay with the top scoring team in the conference until a 17-2 run that started late in the third quarter.
Redshirt senior Katie Shumate scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Sophomore Tatiana Thomas and freshman Janae Tyler had eight boards each to help Kent State to a 46-38 advantage on the glass.
Despite a nine-point effort by Shumate, the Flashes trailed 20-11 at the end of the first quarter.
The defense then picked up and forced the Cardinals into five turnovers and only allowed three points over the first seven minutes of the second period. Ball State then closed the half with an 8-0 run to lead by 14.
Kent State held its host to single field goal during the first eight minutes of the third quarter to make it a 34-30 game but made just one field goal over the next seven minutes as Ball State extended its lead to 19. The Flashes continued to compete and put together a 14-4 run to get within single digits, but it was not enough.
The longest homestand this season at the M.A.C. Center begins on Saturday against Central Michigan in the annual Play4Kay game.
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