The Kent State women’s basketball team (20-9) will need to play the role of spoiler in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament when they travel to Duquesne (22-9) Thursday for first-round action.

After a disappointing Mid-American Conference Tournament loss to Eastern Michigan, the Flashes get new life as a seven seed in the WNIT. This will mark Kent State’s second straight year in the tournament.

Last year, the Flashes’ season ended abruptly in the first round with a 69-34 loss to Michigan.

With a second seed, the Dukes will play the host team.

The Flashes posted a 7-7 record away from the M.A.C. Center this season.

With wins this season over Mid-American Conference members Miami (Ohio), Akron, Buffalo, Ohio and Ball State, the Dukes are accustomed to the MAC style of play. Duquesne also beat several larger schools in Miami, Pittsburgh and Dayton.

Dayton avenged the loss by beating the Dukes in the Atlantic 10 championship to fall short of the NCAA tournament.

This season marks the third season the Dukes have made the WNIT.

The winner of Thursday’s game will advance to the second round of the 64-team, single elimination tournament to take on the winner of the Kansas/Wichita State.

Overall, the Flashes are 2-1 all-time against Duquesne. Against the Atlantic 10 conference, the team is 18-16.

Contact Matt Lofgren at [email protected]/a>.