KENT, Ohio (Interstat) — A pivotal Mid-American Conference women’s basketball matchup awaits Saturday as the Central Michigan Chippewas visit the Kent State Golden Flashes.

The game, scheduled for Feb. 28, 2026, at the Memorial Athletics Center, features teams heading in opposite directions late in the season. Central Michigan (17-10) arrives with momentum from a 68-64 road victory over Toledo on Wednesday. Kent State (13-14) looks to rebound after a 56-66 loss at Massachusetts the same day.

The Chippewas, who sit above .500 in both overall and conference play, are led by standout guard Ayanna-Sarai Darrington. She is coming off a 20-point performance against Toledo and has scored in double figures in eight consecutive games, including a 25-point outing against Akron and a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double at Northern Illinois last month. Her scoring surge has been central to Central Michigan’s offensive efforts.

Kent State will counter with guard Riley Rismiller, who posted 16 points in a recent win over Northern Illinois. The Golden Flashes have shown resilience at home, including a 73-64 victory over Bowling Green earlier this month, but consistency has been an issue.

History favors the visitors in this head-to-head series. Central Michigan won the earlier meeting this season, 66-57, at home on Jan. 7. A repeat performance would bolster the Chippewas’ seeding for the upcoming MAC tournament, while the Golden Flashes are in need of a signature win to climb back to an even record.

The contest will be a test of Central Michigan’s potent offense against a Kent State team fighting to protect its home court. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST. Central Michigan hosts Bowling Green next on March 4, while Kent State travels to face Miami (Ohio) the same day.