Kent State trailed Western Michigan for virtually the entire game, but they kept it close and went on a late run to earn their first road victory of the season, 57-48.

The Flashes found themselves behind with less than eight minutes to play. They finished those last seven or so minutes by going on a 15-1 run, and defeated the Broncos (9-14, 5-7 MAC).

“What a way for our players to finish the game, by holding a talented Western Michigan team to a single point for the last seven and a half minutes,” said Kent State head coach Danielle O’Banion post-game on the iHeartRadio network. “They were begging us to play full court defense, and they really made some plays and turned over Western Michigan when it mattered most.”

The credit goes to our players; they were very determined to win this game, O’Banion said.

The Flashes (5-18, 2-10 MAC) made 20 of their 24 free throw attempts for the game, including late crucial attempts from Mikell Chinn and Ashley Evans.“To win on the road, at the free throw line, that is big for us,” said O’Bainion. “To be able to win close games and win on the road, you have to make free throws and I’m just so excited we were able to do that today.”

Larissa Lurken scored all of her points in the first half, and finished the game leading the Flashes in scoring with 12. Lurken shot four of four from behind the three-point line for the game.

There is no question that the Flashes have missed Lurken being out on the court, O’Banion said.

“I thought Larissa was super tonight, especially in that first half. Every player that appeared in the game today made a big time play for us,” said O’Banion.

Amber Dunlap followed with nine, and CiCi Shannon finished with four points, five rebounds, and four blocks.

The Flashes finished the game shooting 33 percent from the field, and out-rebounded the Broncos, 39-31. Both teams committed 19 turnovers for the game.

“Were excited to get back home, it’s been a long time since we’ve had back-to-back home games. So were excited to get home this week and defend the M.A.C. Center,” said O’Banion.

The Flashes will play Buffalo this Wednesday night at the M.A.C. Center. The game will start at 7 p.m.

Contact Taylor Rosen at [email protected].