In a defensive slugfest, the Kent State women’s basketball team left Muncie, Ind., victorious after a 60-54 win over top-seeded Ball State Saturday. 

After a series of disappointing and close losses to opponents, the Flashes finally put it together to achieve what coach Todd Starkey is calling, “the biggest win of the season.” 

“It was definitely a really big win for us,” he said. “Anytime you beat a really good team on the road, it’s a great thing for your program.” 

Similar to the last two games, the Flashes had a tight one with moments left in the fourth quarter. Both of those previous games ended in losses. This time, the team managed to hold on and secure the win. 

“When they made runs, I thought we did a really good job of answering them,” Starkey said. “It was a much needed win for us.” 

The Flashes started the game off hot, jumping out to a 20-16 lead in the first quarter. The team had solid shooting splits of 8-14 (57%) from the field and 2-6 (33%) from 3-point range while holding Ball State to shooting splits of 7-16 (44%) and 2-7 (29%). 

The offensive momentum continued for the Flashes as the team started off the second quarter with a 6-0 run. After the fast start, the offense began to slow down as Ball State’s defense settled in. 

The Flashes would score just nine points in the final eight minutes of the quarter with rough shooting splits of 6-17 (35%) from the field and 0-4 from 3-point distance. Despite the offense going cold, the defense kept the Flashes ahead, holding Ball State to 4-14 (29%) shooting from the field. 

The Flashes entered halftime with a 35-29 lead. 

Going into the third quarter, both defenses began to dominate one another. The Flashes were held to 4-11 (36%) shooting from the field while Ball State was held to 2-12 (17%) shooting. 

“I was really pleased with our defensive connectedness throughout the game,” Starkey said. 

Moving into the final quarter, the Flashes maintained an eight-point lead. 

Ball State scored just three points in the opening five minutes, and with an 11-point lead, it seemed the Flashes would hold on to win comfortably. However, Ball State managed to make a four-point game with 1:40 left. 

The pressure didn’t get to the Flashes, as a clutch jumper from senior guard Jenna Batsch and free throws from junior guard Dionna Gray iced it.

“Our team never got down,” Starkey said. “The last three games, we’ve had segments where we’ve let teams get the best of us. That was a big focus for us to not have any of those let downs.” 

Similar to the game as a whole, defense was a huge factor in the fourth quarter. The Flashes shot 4-13 (31%) compared to Ball State’s 5-15 (33%). 

Starkey said he preached “focus and toughness” going into the final moments. 

“We were making extra effort plays, doubling down on early and clear communication defensively, making sure we weren’t missing our rebounding box out assignments and secured the basketball,” he said. “I’m really proud of the way our players performed.” 

Overall, the Flashes offense struggled, shooting 22-55 (40%) from the field and 6-17 (35%) from 3-point range. The team also committed 16 turnovers. 

However, there were some positives on the offensive end. The Flashes won the rebounding battle (42-29) and scored 30 points in the paint compared to Ball State’s 18. 

To Starkey, winning inside was the key to the game. 

“The battle in the paint was going to determine a lot of things,” he said. 

With the poor offensive performance, it was the Flashes’ defense that stole the show. Ball State was held to shooting splits of 18-57 (32%) from the field and 7-25 (28%) from 3-point distance. 

The Flashes also led for the bulk of the game, with Ball State leading for just the opening two minutes. It’s also just the second loss Ball State has suffered at home all season. 

“This is a team that is capable,” Starkey said. “Our players are very pleased, happy and excited about getting this win.” 

Multiple players stepped up for the Flashes in the big win. Batsch led the way with 18 points on 8-18 shooting. 

Sophomore guard Mya Babbitt recorded a solid performance with 12 points on 4-8 shooting. During the game, she entered the program record books for the most threes made in a single season with 72. 

Sophomore forward Janae Tyler rounds out the list with a near double-double with 11 rebounds and nine points. 

Most Ball State players were kept in check, but senior guard Ally Becki had a solid performance with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.  

With the win, the Flashes improve to 17-10 with a conference record of 9-5. The team is now in sole possession of fourth place in the Mid-American Conference. 

The loss moves Ball State to 20-7 with a conference record of 12-2. The Cardinals are narrowly ahead of Buffalo for first place in the MAC. 

After the roadstand, the Flashes will return home to play Northern Illinois Wednesday. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. 

Starkey is hopeful to use the Ball State win as a confidence booster and finish the regular season on a high note before tournament play. 

“There’s a lot of basketball left,” he said. “These are four important games for us moving forward.” 

John Engoglia is a reporter. Contact him at j[email protected].