Kent State University
5-9,0-3MAC
UMass
10-2,2-0MAC
Golden Flashes Drop January Opener to UMass
1/3/2026 7:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KENT, Ohio — Sophomore Emory Klatt produced the first double-double of her career on Saturday as the Kent State women's basketball team fell to UMass, 75-70, inside of the M.A.C. Center. Klatt finished the day with 12 points and 11 rebounds as junior Mya Babbitt led the Golden Flashes (5-9, 0-3 MAC) with 20 points.
KSU started the game out in control especially in the second quarter as the Blue and Gold led by as much as 15 before the end of the half, leading 35-24 heading into the halftime break.
UMass went on a 10-0 run in a span of 1:59 in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 42-39 and that was the spark they needed to get right back in the game. They would sustain that offensive production into the fourth quarter where they would build their lead out to 8 points with 2:35 to go in the game.
However, Kent State, did not go without a fight as they would score the next five points in one minute to stay alive thanks to a bucket from junior Riley Rismiller and and three points from freshman Rylee Kalocay.
UMass would later ice the game at the line along with some big shots from the field in the final minute to come away with a five-point win over the Flashes who have closely dropped their first three conference games by five points or less.
Kalocay and Rismiller finished the contest with 10 and nine points respectively as senior Dionna Gray also contributed four points and seven rebounds. Senior Tatiana Thomas produced five rebounds and six assists.Yahmani McKayle led UMass with 28 points in the win.
The Flashes will hit the road in search of their first conference victory of the season on Wednesday, Jan. 7 when they visit Central Michigan at 11 a.m.
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