Kent State will face arguably its toughest opponent of the season Thursday, as the Flashes travel to Mount Pleasant, Mich., to take on Central Michigan at McGuirk Arena.

Kent State (2-17, 0-6 Mid-American Conference) is coming off of an improved showing against the MAC East-leading Miami Redhawks, despite a double-digit loss. The Flashes pressured their opponent throughout the first half, frustrating the Miami ball handlers.

Looking forward to Central Michigan, Flashes head coach Danielle O’Banion knows her team will have to perform well.

“We all know that we will have to play very well Thursday night, especially at Central Michigan,” O’Banion said following Sunday’s loss. “We will get on the bus Wednesday night fully prepped and we are going to give it our best effort, that’s what we do.”

The Chippewas (12-7, 6-0 MAC) are leading the MAC West division over Toledo and Ball State. The team is averaging about 75 points per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field.

Kent State will need to stop sophomore Crystal Bradford, who ranks fourth in the MAC in scoring, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. Her 31 points versus Akron are the most scored by any player in the conference this season.

Kerby Tamm and Niki DiGuilio are also serious threats from the 3-point line, making approximately 46 percent of attempts to lead the MAC. Three other Central Michigan players rank among the top 15 3-point percentages in the MAC.

With the number of threats Central Michigan brings to the court, the Flashes will need to play their best defense, creating turnovers and limiting the amount of time the Chippewas have possession.

The Flashes have focused on their turnovers, committing a season-low 13 against Miami and forcing 21 RedHawk mistakes. Kent State has also seen success from the free throw line as they are currently ranked fourth in the MAC for best free throw percentage.

Senior guard Trisha Krewson leads the conference from the free throw line, making all of her 12 attempts.

Kent State senior Tamzin Barroilhet is coming off a team-high nine points and six rebounds and leads the Flashes in both scoring and rebounding. She believes the Flashes have what it takes to bring down the conference leaders.

“Central Michigan is going to be a really tough team to beat,” Barroilhet said. “We are basically going to have to play for 40 minutes, play with a high tempo, follow our game plan, and be confident with our shots.”

The game will be broadcast live on MAC-sports.com and can be heard on Golden Flashes iHeart Radio. Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Contact Meghan Blaha at [email protected].