The last time the Kent State women’s basketball team was on the court, it struggled against Toledo, shooting only 25 percent from the field. In the opening minutes of the Flashes’ first-round game of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, the team made two of its first three shots.

It looked as if Kent State had found its offensive touch.

But a promising start led to a disappointing finish as Kent State finished the game shooting 20 percent from the field, a season-low, as the team’s season ended at the hands of Michigan, 69-34, at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Kent State coach Bob Lindsay said the team’s problems on offense were especially apparent because of the level of talent they were matched up against.

“We just happened to play against a better team overall, and our struggles stuck out even more,” Lindsay said.

After shooting just 13 percent from the field in the first half, the Flashes found themselves trailing 31-11 at halftime.

Michigan junior guard Veronica Hicks scored the first six points at the start of the second half before Flashes sophomore guard Jena Stutzman could answer with a 3-pointer.

Stutzman finished the game with a team-high 12 points on 4-for-15 shooting from the field.

Following the 3-pointer, the Wolverines slowly added to their lead. Michigan shot 50 percent from the field in the second half as the Big Ten opponent cruised to the win.

The Flashes’ struggles were not limited to one half of basketball. After making two of their first three attempts from the field, Kent State missed 23 straight field goals over the next 16 minutes of play in the first half.

Despite finishing the season in a losing fashion, Lindsay said the team’s play during the season was impressive.

“We accomplished a lot this year,” Lindsay said. “We won 20 games, we got to the postseason. We did a lot, and I thought it was a good season.”

Contact sports reporter Lance Lysowski at [email protected].