Kent State (6-23, 3-15 Mid-American Conference) ended their season with a tournament loss to the Western Michigan Eagles (20-10, 10-8 MAC) by a score of 73-60. It is the Eagles 11th straight win over the Flashes.

The Flashes led the game early in the first quarter and didn’t lead again until halfway through the third quarter with a 9-0 run. After this, Kent had a 39-36 lead. Chanise Baldwin and Phillis Webb of Eastern Michigan both blocked plays by Kent, tying the game at 41 points. 

This was a back and forth game with four lead changes and five ties.

From a statistical standpoint, the Flashes were the expected winners of the match up. They were shooting over 57 percent from the field, compared to Eastern Michigan’s 42.3 percent. The Flashes were also out rebounding the Eagles 16-9 and outscoring them in the paint 14-4.

It wasn’t until the end of the third quarter when the Eagles took their biggest lead. At the end of the third, Eastern Michigan went on a 7-0 run and came out in the fourth and extended the run to 9-0, until McKenna Stephens knocked down a left wing jumper.

It was a favorable night for Stephens as she scored her career high of 19 points on 9-14 shooting.

After the Eagles went on their 9-0 run, they had a seven point lead.

The Flashes didn’t score any three point shots, as they were only 2-17 while the Eagles shot over 53 percent, going 8-15 despite out rebounding Eastern Michigan 31-28.

On the offensive end the Flashes were led by Stephens and Jordan Korinek, who added 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Eastern Michigan was led by Janay Morton, who had a team high of 17. Charlise Baldwin added 13, Cha Sweeney and Phillis Webb each contributed 14.

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