Kent State University
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Western Michigan
Kent State Prepares for “We Back Pat” Game as Part of Saturday Doubleheader
1/17/2025 2:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kent State looks to begin a new win streak on Saturday as Western Michigan visits the M.A.C. Center for a Mid-American Conference women's basketball matchup. The contest has been designated as the "We Back Pat" game and will tip at 1 p.m., and fans are encouraged to remain in the stands for the men's basketball team's scheduled battle with Miami approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game.
The Golden Flashes (10-7, 3-2 MAC) fell to first-place Ball State on Wednesday, 66-57, snapping a seven-game home winning streak that equals the longest single-season streak under the direction of ninth-year head coach Todd Starkey. Despite scoring only seven points during the third quarter and trailing by as many as 15, Kent State had a chance to tie the game with more than five minutes remaining. A steal leading to a fast break layup ignited a 13-7 run to close the game for the visitors. Senior Bridget Dunn led the way with 13 points and 15 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season. Sophomore Mya Babbitt also played a well-rounded game with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Preseason All-MAC First Team selection Jenna Batsch (14.8 ppg, 4.3 apg) is one of only two playes in the conference averaging at least 14 points, four assists and one steal per game. Bridget Dunn (8.5 ppg) ranks third in the nation in defensive rebounding (8.9 drpg) and 18th overall in rebounds per game (10.5). Mya Babbitt (12.7 ppg) leads the MAC with 45 three-pointers and has made 39% of attempts from beyond the arc. Dionna Gray averages 9.1 points and 4.7 assists per game while leading Kent State to an 8-4 record in games played this season. Riley Rismiller, a transfer from Dayton, has made an immediate impact with averages of 9.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Scouting Western Michigan
Stellar defense has the Broncos (7-8, 4-1 MAC) sitting alone in second place of the conference standings. Western Michigan has held MAC opponents to just 50.4 points per game on 37.5% shooting.
Guards Marina Asensio and Hannah Spitzley lead the way on both ends of the floor. Asensio averages a team-high 13.7 points per game and 4.7 assists per game while sitting second on the team with 18 steals. Spitzley averages a MAC-leading 3.0 steals per game and scores 12.1 points per game.
Series History
• Kent State is 36-28 all-time vs. Western Michigan.
• The Golden Flashes have a 21-10 all-time record vs. the Broncos at the M.A.C. Center.
• Kent State has held the Broncos below 70 points in 19 of the past 22 meetings.
• The Flashes are 6-3 vs. Western Michigan under head coach Todd Starkey.
About "We Back Pat" and The Pat Summit Foundation
The Pat Summitt Foundation, a fund of East Tennessee Foundation, was established by Pat and Tyler Summitt in November 2011. Its mission is to award grants to nonprofit organizations that advance research for treatment and a cure, provide care and support for patients and caregivers, and educate the public about Alzheimer's disease. To learn more please visit Home | Pat Summitt, like the foundation on Pat Summitt Foundation, and follow it on X and Instagram @webackpat.
Broadcast Info
Matt Kiraly and Jacki Windon will call the action on ESPN+, while Dane Richardson will have the call on the Kent State Radio Network.
Next Up for Kent State
The Golden Flashes will hit the road next week for games against Central Michigan on Wednesday, Jan. 22 and Miami on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Follow the Flashes
Be sure to follow the Golden Flashes on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.
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