The Kent State women’s basketball team did more damage to itself than Northern Illinois could have ever have hoped in the first half of yesterday’s quarter final game.

After jumping out to a 12-4 lead in front of a pro-Northern Illinois crowd, things started to unravel. Other than Kristin Peoples (14 points) and Tiffany LaFleur (8), no one was able to make an offensive impact.

Kent State was fine until the fouls started to add up. After Kerrie James, LaFleur and Mallorie Griffith all picked up their second fouls of the half, Northern Illinois made its run. Thanks in part to two 3s in the final minute, the Huskies finished the half on a 14-6 spurt giving them a 36-30 lead.

Contacts sports editor Joe Gartrell at [email protected].