Kent State falls in overtime despite Lurken’s big game

Henry Palattella

Larissa Lurken continued her romp through the Kent State record books Saturday morning, as the senior guard poured in 39 points in the Flashes’ (2-4) 79-73 overtime loss to Western Kentucky (3-2). The point total—which is a new career-high for Lurken—is also the highest-scoring total ever for a player in a Gulf Coast Showcase game. Lurken also made her 161st career three-pointer in the loss, which is the highest total in Kent State women’s basketball history.

Kent State led by as many as 14 in the third quarter, but they lost steam towards the end of the game and the eventual overtime, which The Flashes forced when Lurken made two free-throws with 30 seconds left to tie the game at 67. Lurken attempted 25 free-throws in the game and made 22 of them.

Redshirt senior guard Kendall Noble led Western Kentucky with 28 points, and was followed by junior forward Tashia Brown, who had 21. The Hilltoppers made the most of their trips to the free throw line as well, as they made 26 of their 28 free-throw attempts.

Kent State junior forward Jordan Korinek scored 19 points, and was the only other member of the Flashes to score in double-figures.

The Flashes will look to end their four-game losing streak when they take on either George Washington (3-2) or Florida Gulf Coast (2-3) on Sunday in their final game of the showcase.

Henry Palattella is a sports reporter. Contact him at [email protected].