The Kent State women’s basketball (15-5, 6-2 Mid-American Conference) could not overcome a poor first half, as the team fell on the road Saturday to Toledo, 66-53.

After prevailing with an overtime victory over Northern Illinois on Wednesday evening, the Flashes needed to get more players in the scoring column. Saturday, the team continued to struggle through an ugly first half where the Flashes shot just 28 percent from the floor.

By halftime, the Flashes found themselves in a big 39-19 hole with only one-way out: scoring. Over the past two games, the Flashes’ offense has struggled, shooting 31.7 percent against Northern Illinois and 35.7 percent from the field against Ball State.

Led in scoring for the fourth game in a row by senior forward Taisja Jones, the Flashes offense came alive in the second half. The Flashes fell down by as many as 23 points in the second half, but battled back within nine of the Rockets (15-6, 7-1 MAC) with just over 3 minutes remaining.

Unfortunately for the Flashes, time ran out on their comeback attempt as some clutch shooting by the Rockets sealed the team’s fate late in the game.

The Flashes shot a solid 56.5 percent from the floor in the second half, and finished the game sinking 20-of-48 shots (41.7 percent).

The defense, which has been the team’s strength this season, was out of sync. Allowing the Rockets to shoot 42 percent from the field is something that Bob Lindsay, Kent State coach, has to improve.

“We played poorly in the first half, played a better second half,” Lindsay said. “But playing one half of a game isn’t good enough to beat a team like this on the road.”

The Flashes offensive struggle was not assisted by the team’s 21 turnovers that led to 22 points for the Rockets.

With a 6-2 record in MAC play, the Flashes are still standing atop the East standings, but the win for Toledo Saturday gives them control of the MAC with a 7-1 record.

The Flashes will face Eastern Michigan (15-7, 6-2 MAC) on Wednesday at 7.pm. at the M.A.C. Center.

Contact Matt Lofgren at [email protected].