Seniors lead women's basketball over Kent State
Senior forward Tinara Moore, left, gets ready to shoot the ball at the women's basketball game against Kent State on Jan. 13 at McGuirk Arena.
It was the seniors who led the Central Michigan women's basketball team over Kent State.
The Chippewas (13-3, 5-0 MAC) defeated the Golden Flashes (9-8, 2-3 MAC), 88-84.
Seniors Cassie Breen and Tinara Moore combined for 47 points leading the CMU to their fifth straight victory.
"Leading on defense and on the court is really big for us," Breen said.
It was also the 100th victory for head coach Sue Guevara in McGuirk Arena.
"I'm just glad we were able to pull it out, we almost gave it away," Guevara said. "For us to perform the way we did (late) was very disappointing."
Central Michigan dominated early in the first quarter showing off their elite offensive arsenal. Halfway through the quarter every CMU starter was in the score column forcing Kent State to take a timeout while the Chippewas led 18-8 with 3:37 remaining.
The golden flashes created some momentum of their own going on a 6-0 run after the timeout but the Chippewas still took a 23-14 lead heading into the second quarter.
Central Michigan got off to another quick start in the second quarter extending their lead to 34-21 at one point, but once again Kent State was able to cut into the lead again to cut the lead to 34-29 with just over 4 minutes remaining.
CMU extended their lead to 44-33 in late in the half but Kent's Megan Carter hit a buzzer-beater to cut the Chippewas lead heading into the break.
The Chippewas found success in the first half in large part due to their rebounding, and specifically offensive rebounding.
"I brought (offensive rebounding clips) to our guards attention so they could see it, "Guevara said. "When we play against bigger teams our guards need to go in and rebound."
At halftime, Central Michigan was outrebounding Kent State 24-18, and 11-5 on the offensive end.
The Golden Flashes wasted no time cutting the lead to 53-50 in the third quarter, but a timely Breen and-one and 3-pointer halted Kent State's run.
Late in the quarter Micaela Kelly recorded a steal and an assist to Moore furthering the CMU lead, but once again Kent State hit a buzzer beater reducing the Chippewas lead to 67-57.
Central Michigan started the fourth quarter on a 4-0 run extending their lead to 14.
After the Golden Flashes scored a 3-pointer to cut the lead to single digits late, Presley Hudson scored four straight points for CMU to extend their cushion.
Kent State made another late surge but the Chippewas just held on to game late.
"There's plenty to learn about it," Guevara said. "But this team will learn."
Central Michigan returns to action traveling to DeKalb, Ill. to face Northern Illinois on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
