Kent State Secures First MAC Road Victory with Stunning Record-Equalling Shooting Display!

ATHENS, Ohio — Kent State equaled the program mark with 16 three-point baskets during a 79-64 triumph over host Ohio on Saturday afternoon, marking its initial road victory in Mid-American Conference action.

The Golden Flashes (10-6, 3-1 MAC) featured contributions from four distinct players for the record-tying display. Sophomore Mya Babbitt and freshman Journey Hildebrand each led with five three-pointers, while seniors Jenna Batsch and Bridget Dunn added three each. Dunn concluded the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season, while Batsch fell just short of her second double-double with a team-high 19 points and eight assists. Babbitt contributed 18 points and Hildebrand netted 15, marking her highest total against a Division I challenger.

Following a sluggish start with a 2-of-8 shooting performance, Kent State received a boost from Hildebrand, who nailed three three-point shots to finish the first quarter leading 20-17.

Ohio entered halftime with a 36-34 lead thanks to a buzzer-beater by Bailey Tabeling.

The Flashes asserted control with a formidable 17-0 scoring spree, which featured a 5-of-5 performance from behind the arc, to begin the third quarter. They established a lead of 16 on two occasions before the Bobcats ended the period with five consecutive points, closing it out at 59-48 as they headed into the fourth quarter.

When the lead was reduced to nine with 6:25 remaining, Batsch scored four points in succession and then assisted Babbitt for an open three-pointer as part of an 8-0 run that thwarted any potential comeback for the hosts. Batsch’s record equaling three-pointer at the 2:42 mark provided the Flashes with their largest advantage of the game at 77-59.

Kent State excelled on the boards, dominating with a 45-31 rebounding margin. Sophomore Riley Rismiller and junior Tatiana Thomas each secured six rebounds, contributing to a strong showing from the bench.

The Flashes will face first-place Ball State for a crucial MAC matchup on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

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