RALEIGH, N.C. –Â Despite fielding only nine players on Thursday night at Reynolds Coliseum, Kent State hung tough against No. 13 NC State, trailing by just 12 points entering the fourth quarter before ultimately falling 79-51.
Seniors Bridget Dunn and Jenna Batsch led the Golden Flashes (1-2) with a strong first half, hitting eight three-pointers and trailing 33-28 at halftime.
NC State extended its lead to 17 points in the final minute of the third period, but Batsch responded by scoring five consecutive points, closing the gap to 56-44.
However, the shorthanded Golden Flashes couldn’t find the basket again until freshman Meghan Murray sank two free throws with 2:22 remaining, while the Wolfpack opened the final quarter with a 14-0 run.
Dunn finished with a career-high five three-pointers, tallying 17 points and eight rebounds to lead Kent State. Batsch contributed 15 points and three assists.
Kent State will wrap up their road trip against Elon on Saturday.
