The Kent State women’s basketball (12-11, 6-5 Mid-American Conference) team missed a crucial chance to gain ground in the MAC East Saturday, falling to the University of Buffalo (16-6, 6-5 MAC), 77-62.

The Flashes were led on offense by junior Jordan Korinek, who finished the game with 27 points —  two of which were some the junior guard won’t soon forget.

Korinek became the 21st member of the Kent State women’s basketball 1,000-point club on her bucket to close out the second half. She received the pass on the play from junior guard Larissa Lurken, who became the 20th member 1,000-point scorer earlier in the season.

Lurken finished the day with 21 points total. 

The Flashes struggled mightily in the first quarter, as the Bulls jumped out to an early 10-0 lead after they were able to force Kent State to commit three turnovers and miss the first three shots. As a team, the Flashes only shot 21 percent in the first quarter. 

Kent State’s struggles continued for the rest of the first half, where the team broke down 39-23 and then 60-41 after the three. The Flashes went on a late run in the fourth and were able to cut the Bulls’ lead to 10 with three minutes to play. However, that was as close as they were able to get. 

After Saturday’s game, both teams now sit at 6-5. But the Bulls hold second place in the MAC East due to them owning the head-to-head record. The Flashes and Bulls will play again March 4 to close out the season. 

The Flashes will be back in action this Tuesday when they welcome Eastern Michigan University to the M.A.C Center. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip-off.

Henry Palattella is the sports editor, contact him at [email protected].