DEKALB, Ill. – A tough third quarter for Kent State (10-10, 4-4) would be the deciding factor in a 93-72 loss to conference-leader Northern Illinois (14-5, 7-1) Wednesday night despite McKenna Stephens tying her career best in scoring with 19 points.
Defense was strong in the start for the Flashes. In the six minutes of the game, Kent State forced five turnovers and had two steals to get out to an early 12-8 lead. Stephens had the hot hand in the opening stretch, hitting shots from everywhere on the court for eight before the first media break.