The Kent State women’s basketball team defeated Northern Illinois 63-60 in the opening round of the Mid-American Conference Tournament. 

KSU (19-10, 13-5 MAC) was led by freshman forward Janae Tyler (15 points), redshirt senior guard Katie Shumate (14), and junior forward Bridget Dunn (14).

Dunn also grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds. 

Both teams scored 34 points in the paint.

NIU (15-16, 8-11 MAC) started the game on a 7-0 scoring run, as the Flashes did not convert their first basket until Dunn sunk a three-pointer with 7:30 remaining in the first quarter. 

KSU responded with a 15-6 scoring run, as the Huskies led 16-15 at the end of the quarter. Despite shooting 5-of-12 during the second quarter, Tyler scored six points as the Flashes took a 28-27 lead into halftime. 

KSU shot 8-of-16 from the field during the third quarter, taking a 47-43 lead into the final quarter. 

Despite only making five field goals during the final quarter, the Flashes held on for their tournament-opening win.

As a team, KSU shot 39% from the field and 28% from deep. Biggest stat advantage. 

Northern Illinois also shot 36% from the field while going 7-of-25 from three.

The Flashes will now play Ball State (28-4, 16-2 MAC) in the semifinals. 

KSU matched up with BSU twice this season, losing both games. On Jan. 31, the Cardinals won 57-46, and on March 6, Ball State won 75-71.

Tipoff is Friday at 12:30 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. 

Jacob Shondel is sports editor. Contact him at [email protected].