University of Toledo
Kent State
Toledo Drops 82-68 Decision to Kent State
1/27/2007 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Final Stats
TOLEDO, OH - Toledo (7-13, 3-5 MAC) was outscored 46-33 in the second half by Kent State (10-9, 6-2 MAC) and suffered an 82-68 setback on Saturday afternoon at Savage Hall. The Golden Flashes shot a sizzling 57.7 percent (15-of-26) from the field in the final 20 minutes and 80.0 percent (4-of-5) from three-point range, while UT was guilty of 11 turnovers and shot only 38.5 percent (10-of-26) from the floor.
"Turnovers obviously played a big part in this game," said Toledo Head Coach Mark Ehlen, whose squad had only two turnovers in the first half. "We were facing a team that forces over 20 turnovers a game and we had only two at halftime. We also held a two-point lead at the 13-minute mark and from that point on just gave them the game. It was really frustrating."
Senior Savannah Werner paced four Rockets in double figures with 18 points, while classmate Danielle Bishop had 16. Sophomore Diana Reindl added 13 points with team-high eight rebounds and freshman Allie Clifton chipped in 10.
The two squads traded baskets for the first four minutes of the contest, before KSU's La'Kia Stewart scored eight quick points to put the visitors ahead 17-12 with 12:37 left. UT's Clifton and Reindl kept the home team within striking distance in the opening minutes with four points apiece.
The Golden Flashes maintained their advantage as the first stanza continued behind strong play on the boards. KSU held a 16-10 rebounding edge and led on the scoreboard, 22-17, with 10:20 left.
Facing a five-point deficit, Toledo utilized an 8-2 run over the next five minutes to a 25-24 edge with 5:14 left and forced KSU into a timeout. Junior Nacole Stocks fueled the run with four points off the bench. The Rockets also received layups from Savannah Werner and Reindl to take their first lead since the third minute of the contest.
KSU quickly retaliated and five-consecutive points from Kristin Peoples propelled the visitors to a 36-35 cushion at the intermission. The Golden Flashes held a 29-15 rebounding edge in the half, including 13-6 on the offensive glass. Stewart and Peoples combined to score 22 of KSU's 36 points in the half, while Werner paced UT with nine.
The Rockets started the second half strong and a three-point play by Reindl gave them a 45-42 lead with 15:35 left in regulation. UT hit three of its first six shots in the half and knocked down three free throws to run out to its largest lead.
Unfortunately, the lead would not last long, as KSU went on a game-changing 9-0 run over the next 1:15 to break the contest open, 63-54. Peoples scored seven of the nine points in the run, including a deep triple to start the rally.
KSU continued to pour it on and pushed its lead to 73-59 with 5:58 remaining, while the Rockets could not find the range or take care of the basketball. The home team went the next eight-plus minutes without a basket and had only two field goals in the final ten minutes.
"I really liked the way we played until the 13-minute mark," Ehlen said. "They're a good team, and I thought we were playing very well. We were scoring and competing very well, but then we just lost our minds. It's really disappointing."
The Rockets finished the contest shooting 38.6 percent (22-of-57) from the field, while the Golden Flashes finished at 46.7 percent (28-of-60).
Stewart led KSU with a game-high 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Peoples had 26 points, team-high eight assists and three steals. The visitors won the battle on the boards, 45-29, and had four players pulldown at least five caroms.
The Rockets return to action on Sunday, Feb. 4 to battle arch-rival Bowling Green. Tip-off is slated for 4:00 p.m. in Anderson Arena. The game will be broadcast as part of the MAC's 13-game television package. Anticipated MAC Game of the Week affiliates include FSN Ohio, Comcast Local, CSN Chicago and Time Warner in Western New York.
