Kent State University
UMass
Kent State Travels to UMass for Midweek MAC Matchup
2/23/2026 3:01:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Kent State continues to work towards clinching a spot in the upcoming Mid-American Conference Women's Basketball Tournament and will travel to league newcomer UMass on Wednesday. Tip inside of the Mullins Center is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Golden Flashes (13-13, 7-7 MAC) have won four of the last five after a dominant 80-61 victory over rival Akron on Saturday. Kent State used a 24-2 run to end the first half to extend its winning streak to eight in the rivalry. Mya Babbitt led the way with 20 points and four steals. Emory Klatt posted her third double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Junior Mya Babbitt is the third leading scorer in the MAC at 16.7 points per game and is the only player in the league with three performances of at least 28 points. Babbitt is fourth in the conference with 56 three-point field goals. Junior Riley Rismiller (8.7 ppg), senior Tatiana Thomas (7.4 ppg) and sophomore Emory Klatt (6.3 ppg) provide low post options. Senior Dionna Gray (6.0 ppg) is third in the MAC and 29th in the nation in assists with 5.3 per game.
Scouting UMass
The Minutewomen (19-6, 11-3 MAC) went on the road and beat Central Michigan, 69-50, in a battle for third in the conference standings on Saturday. UMass has one of the top defenses in the MAC and ranks in the top three in scoring defense (60.8 ppg), field goal percentage defense (.386) and three-point field goal percentage defense (.281). The Minutewomen are 10-2 at home but have lost two of their last three at the Mullins Center.
Guard Yahmani McKayle ranks fourth in the conference in scoring (16.2 ppg) and assists per game (5.1) while leading UMass with 55 three-pointers. Forward Megan Olbrys averages 14.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest and is tied for third in the MAC with eight double-doubles. Guard Allie Palmieri adds 13.1 points per game and is second on the team with 46 three-pointers. Guard Ayanna Franks (7.6 ppg) is second in the conference in steals per game (2.7).
Series History
• Kent State is 1-5 all-time vs. UMass on the hardwood.
• The Golden Flashes are 1-1 in trips to Amherst, most recently falling 85-53 in the 2012-13 season opener.
• Kent State is 0-2 vs. UMass under head coach Todd Starkey.
Broadcast Info
Nathan Strauss and Jacob Munch will call the action on ESPN+, while Cam Manna will be on the call on the Kent State Radio Network.
Next Up for Kent State
The Golden Flashes will host Central Michigan on Saturday, Feb. 28 as the regular season ends with two of three games at the M.A.C. Center.
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.
Be The Difference, Support the Women's Basketball Excellence Fund
Support the baseball program today by donating to the Women's Basketball Excellence Fund by clicking here.
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.
