Defense was the name of the Kent State women’s basketball team’s game today at the M.A.C. Center.

After surrendering 109 points to Central Michigan on Wednesday, the Flashes (16-5, 5-4 Mid-American Conference) held Northern Illinois to less than half that in a 67-50 win.

“I’m really proud of our team’s defensive effort today,” Kent State coach Bob Lindsay said. “. That’s really what won the game for us.”

Kent State limited Northern Illinois’ two top scorers, forward Ebony Ellis and guard Jessie Wilcox, to a combined nine points.

On the other side of the ball, senior center Anna Kowalska led the team with a double-double on 19 points and 13 rebounds. Behind her was sophomore guard Jamilah Humes with 17 points and 8 boards.

On the day, the Flashes shot 19-of-57, but managed to outrebound the Huskies (11-11, 6-3), 51-36.

Contact sports reporter Josh Johnston at [email protected].