Kent State University
2-3,0-0MAC
Duquesne
2-2,0-0Atlantic 10
Gray Leads Flashes to Victory in Season Debut
11/20/2024 11:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio — Junior Dionna Gray had a career-high 20 points in her first action of the 2024-25 campaign as Kent State beat Duquesne, 81-61, Wednesday night at the M.A.C. Center.
The Golden Flashes (2-3) took advantage of their guest's aggressive defense and shot 24-of-27 at the free throw line as a result of 26 fouls drawn. Gray made all 11 of her attempts from the charity stripe and added seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
A group effort allowed Kent State to post a 54-39 rebounding advantage. Sophomore Janae Tyler led the way with eight boards in her first action of the season. Five additional Flashes grabbed six or more rebounds.
Both teams led by as many as four points during the first quarter and it was tied 15-15 after 10 minutes.
The Flashes held the Dukes to only two baskets over the final six minutes of the second period and built a 36-29 halftime lead.
A 9-3 run in the opening minutes of the second half pushed the lead to double-digits for the first time. Duquesne cut it to six with 2:49 left in the third before being whistled for a technical foul that swung momentum and helped Kent State go back ahead by 10 entering the fourth quarter.
Senior Bridget Dunn knocked down her third three-point shot of the night to open the fourth and sophomore Mya Babbitt sank two from deep during the final 10 minutes to help extend the lead to as many as 21. Babbitt finished with 14 points and Dunn had 11. Senior Jenna Batsch was the fourth Flash to score in double-figures with 13 points.
Kent State will be back in action at the M.A.C. Center on Saturday against Xavier at 1 p.m.
Be sure to follow the Golden Flashes on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.
