Kent State has had a rough start to their season, losing its last four games. The Flashes last played against Belmont University on Sunday, losing by 24 points. The game ended with a score of 84-60. There was some positivity that came out of the game, though: Montia Johnson, Larissa Lurken and CiCi Shannon all reached career highs during the game, but even that could not hold off the Bruins.

Johnson scored 20 points including seven field goals, both career highs. Lurken also had a career high of 17 points. Shannon finished with a double-double, scoring 14 points.

Kent State started off strong, winning the opening tip and going on an 11-6 run. This put them ahead 13-6 three minutes into the game. However, the Bruins took over the rest of the first half. They led by 20 points going into halftime after shooting 50 percent from the floor. Also, they made seven of their 11 three-point attempts and did not miss any of the eight free throws they received.

The Flashes showed up strong in the second half, going on a 7-0 run in the first minute. They were not able to make a full recovery, though. The Bruins shot at 51 percent from the floor to keep their lead.

The season continues for Kent State on Saturday as they take on The University of Houston (1-4) in the David Jones Classic in Houston. Houston lost its last game Saturday, 65-55, against Creighton despite outscoring the Bluejays 31-18 in the last 12 minutes of the game.

The second game Kent State plays in the tournament is Dec. 1 against Stephen F. Austin State. The Ladyjacks (2-3) lost Saturday against undefeated SMU, 81-69.

Prairie View A&M is the fourth team in the classic, and they play Houston and Stephen F. Austin State.

After the weekend tournament in Texas, the Flashes will return home for the remainder of 2013. The next home game is Dec. 4 against Niagara.

Contact Megan McEldowney at [email protected].