Kent State University
13-13,7-7MAC
Akron
7-20,4-10MAC
Women’s Basketball Coasts to Eighth Straight Rivalry Win
2/21/2026 3:57:00 PM | Women's Basketball
AKRON, Ohio —Kent State led by as many as 29 points during Saturday's 80-61 road victory over rival Akron.
The Golden Flashes (13-13, 7-7 MAC) have beaten the Zips in eight consecutive meetings, as seniors Dionna Gray and Tatiana Thomas will end their careers undefeated in the rivalry.
Kent State started strong, as freshman Anna Campanelli opened the scoring with a three-pointer from the wing. Thomas and junior Mya Babbitt followed with baskets and a 7-0 lead less than two minutes into the contest. The Zips battled back to take the lead twice, and the first quarter ended with a 19-19 tie.
Campanelli sank two free throws to open scoring again in the second period, and Akron followed with seven straight for its largest lead of the game. The Flashes then dominated the final seven minutes of the period and closed on a 24-2 run for a 45-28 halftime lead. The spurt was fueled by outstanding defense, forcing seven turnovers and holding the Zips without a field goal. Babbitt was the catalyst with four of the team's six steals during the run.
Kent State added a 13-0 run during the third quarter and built the lead to 29 with 2:24 remaining in the period.
Babbitt finished with a game-high 20 points. Sophomore Emory Klatt posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes off the bench.
Kent State will be back in the road for the next game and visit UMass on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
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