​The Kent State women’s basketball team(6-22, 3-15 Mid-American Conference) ended their regular season with a lop-sided loss to the University at Buffalo(16-13, 8-10 MAC) 63-47. The Bulls took an early lead in the game and never looked back. 

​It was a stellar defensive performance for the Bulls, forcing the Flashes into 25 turnovers. On a more impressive note, at the end of the first half the two leading scorers for the Flashes – sophomore forward Jordan Korinek, who averages almost 16 points per game and junior guard Larissa Lurken, who averages 14.3 points per game – were held to 1-8 from the field, only scoring two points combined. 

​Lurken was held with only one shot attempt 11 minutes into the game. 

​In the second and third quarters, Buffalo outscored Kent State 32-14. The Flashes were held scoreless for a little over five minutes in the second quarter. 

​Along with an outstanding defensive outing, the Bulls also had very balanced scoring, as they had 11 players who scored against the Flashes. They were led by junior guard Joanna Smith, who scored 14 points on 5-13 shooting three-of-nine from behind the arc. 

​At the half, Kent State was winning the rebound advantage 21-15, but that, much like the rest of the game, did not last. The Bulls out rebounded the Flashes 43-35, 20-7 on the offensive side.

Freshman forward Brittany Morrison led the game with 13 rebounds for Buffalo. Seven, of course, coming offensively. 

​For the Flashes, they were led in scoring not by Lurkin or Korinek but by redshirt sophomore forward McKenna Stephens, who scored 12 on five of seven shooting. Korinek finished with eight points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Lurkin also pitched in eight points. 

​Next up for the Flashes is the MAC tournament. First games will take place this Monday in Ypsilanti, Michigan at 5 p.m. against Eastern Michigan University. 

Eric Pitcher is a sports reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].