Kent State women’s basketball (1-2) is preparing for one of its toughest non-conference opponents of the season. The Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-0) will travel to Kent Tuesday evening for the first game of a doubleheader. The Flashes men’s team will follow, playing Saint Francis.

Kent State is currently on a two-game losing streak but is eager to get back to winning.  Redshirt freshman guard Tyra James has gotten off on the right foot this season, averaging 15 points per game.

But James will have her work cut out for her on the defensive end during Tuesday night’s game, as she has to defend Rachel Banham, one of the best guards in the nation.

Banham is a 5’9” redshirt senior guard who averages 26 points per game this season and is projected to be a top 20 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.

The Gophers’ offense currently averages 94.5 points per game after playing two games. 

Both teams will play fast, and it is clear Minnesota can put up points in bunches, which is what the Flashes would like to do as well. The Flashes will have to play stingy defense and limit their mistakes. Turnovers will be key for the Golden Flashes success in this game; if they play lacks luster defense and lose the turnover battle, it will be a very long game.

The tip-off for this match-up is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the M.A.C. Center.

Contact Ty Sugick at [email protected].