Kent State University
Eastern Michigan
Women’s Hoops Continues MAC Play at Eastern Michigan
1/9/2026 12:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kent State returns to action on Saturday with a Mid-American Conference women's basketball road contest against Eastern Michigan. Tip inside of the Gervin GameAbove Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.
The Golden Flashes (5-10, 0-4 MAC) were unable to overcome a four-point first period on Wednesday morning and lost to host Central Michigan, 66-57. Kent State rallied to get within two points at halftime and trimmed a 13-point deficit a few minutes into the fourth quarter to just four, but fell short in the comeback effort. Mya Babbitt scored a game-high 24 points and recorded a career-high five steals.
Junior Mya Babbitt is the fourth leading scorer in the MAC at 15.6 points per game and has two of the top four single-game scoring performances in the league. Babbitt is third in the conference with 31 three-point field goals. Juniors Janae Tyler (10.5 ppg) and Riley Rismiller (8.0 ppg) provide low post options. Rismiller has three double-doubles and ranks eighth in the MAC in rebounding with 7.1 per game. Senior Tatiana Thomas (7.7 ppg) has taken advantage of increased playing time and is averaging 10.3 points and 6.6 rebounds over the last seven games. Senior Dionna Gray (4.7 ppg) is fifth in the MAC in assists with 4.5 per game.
Scouting Eastern Michigan
The Eagles (7-6, 1-2 MAC) look to remain undefeated at home and have gone 4-0 in games at the Gervin GameAbove Center this season. EMU has owned the first quarter with double-digit leads after the opening 10 minutes in three of the four contests.
Sisi Eleko has been among the most productive players in the MAC this season, leading the conference in scoring (17.8 ppg) and double-doubles (7) while ranking second in rebounding (9.7 rpg). Peyton Hill is the top freshman scorer in the league and averages 13.2 points per contest. Fernanda Ovalle (12.9 ppg) leads the MAC in scoring during conference-only games with an average of 24.0 points per game. Ainhoa Cea (6.5 ppg) ranks second in the league in assists per game (6.2) and fourth in steals per game (2.3).
Series History
• Kent State is 48-28 all-time vs. Eastern Michigan.
• The Golden Flashes have won eight in a row in the series and are 14-1 under head coach Todd Starkey.
• Kent State had an 11-game losing streak prior to Starkey's arrival in 2016.
• The Flashes' 19-game winning streak from 1992-03 is the longest for either team.
• Kent State is 17-19 in trips to Ypsilanti with seven consecutive victories.
Broadcast Info
Ryan Wooley, Reggie Butler and Elena Davis will call the action on ESPN+, while Cam Manna will be on the call on the Kent State Radio Network.Â
Next Up for Kent State
The Golden Flashes will return to the M.A.C. Center next week for home games against Ohio on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and rival Akron on Saturday, Jan. 17.
KSU Travel Network
Fans looking to save on travel while supporting the Golden Flashes this year can use the Blue and Gold Travel Network to save on flights and hotels while giving back to Kent State student-athletes by booking at BlueAndGoldTravelNetwork.com.
Follow Kent State Women's Basketball
For complete coverage of Kent State Women's Basketball, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.
