KENT, Ohio (Interstat) — In a grinding, defensive struggle where offensive rhythm was scarce, the Kent State Golden Flashes used a decisive advantage at the free-throw line and critical late-game execution to secure a 63-56 victory over the Central Michigan Chippewas in a Mid-American Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at the Memorial Athletics Center.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 1,297, saw both teams labor from the field. Kent State finished shooting 34 percent, while Central Michigan managed just 38 percent. The difference materialized at the charity stripe, where the Golden Flashes converted 17 of 20 attempts compared to the Chippewas’ 6-for-7 performance. That 11-point margin proved insurmountable on a afternoon where the teams combined for 33 turnovers and only 13 assists.

Central Michigan, which fell to 17-11 overall, established an early lead behind a strong first quarter, taking a 16-13 advantage. The Chippewas’ defense was active, generating early blocks and steals. However, the second quarter proved pivotal as Kent State, now level at 14-14, seized control with an 18-11 frame. The Golden Flashes’ defense tightened, forcing several Chippewas turnovers and holding them without a field goal for extended stretches to take a 31-27 lead into halftime.

The most important phase of the game unfolded in the final minutes. With Kent State clinging to a narrow lead, Central Michigan’s Madi Morson, who led all scorers with 19 points, hit a critical three-pointer with just over a minute remaining to pull the Chippewas within a single possession at 57-55. The Golden Flashes responded immediately on the ensuing possession, as guard Corynne Hauser drove for a layup to push the lead back to four.

Central Michigan had opportunities in the closing minute but came up empty on several three-point attempts. Kent State then sealed the game at the line, with Emory Klatt and Journey Hildebrand making key free throws in the final 11 seconds to extend the margin to the final seven-point difference.

Hauser led Kent State with 15 points, while Klatt added 7 points and was instrumental late. For Central Michigan, Ayanna-Sarai Darrington complemented Morson’s effort with 16 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, but the Chippewas’ offense often stalled, managing only four assists against 19 turnovers.

The game was a testament to defensive pressure, with Kent State recording nine steals to Central Michigan’s four. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with each making only four three-pointers. The victory allowed Kent State to split the season series after dropping a 66-57 decision at Central Michigan on Jan. 7.

According to advanced metrics, Kent State scored 63 points on 76 possessions for an offensive rating of 82.4, while Central Michigan posted 56 points on 69 possessions for a rating of 80.8, underscoring the low-efficiency nature of the contest.

Central Michigan looks to rebound when it hosts Bowling Green on Wednesday. Kent State travels to face Miami (Ohio) on the same night.