http://www.emyouthemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/PakmodeWebLogo.pngMarissa McNees
mmcnees1@emich.edu
Despite letting an 18-point lead shrink to three in the second half, Eastern Michigan’s women’s basketball team hung on to beat Kent State 78-72 on Saturday at the “Green Goes Red” doubleheader at the Convocation Center.
“Last game, Kent played Toledo and they were down 10 at half,” junior guard Cassie Schrock said. “They won that game, so we reminded the team that they could come back at any time and we just tried to keep our composure and tried to fight through it.”
EMU coach AnnMarie Gilbert said her team did that.
“There is no lead that is comfortable enough to sustain a number of things,” Gilbert said. “Our kids persevered through that.
“For me, it’s more important that my kids find a way to win the game as opposed to how many points they win by.”
Sophomore guard Tavelyn James, fresh off a 40-point game against Buffalo, led the Eagles with 19 points, including a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to put the Eagles up by 12.
Along with James, three other Eagles scored in double-figures. Schrock scored 15, and Paige Redditt and Sydney Huntley each added 12.
“Paige Redditt and Cassie Schrock were the two most pivotal pieces because of how they handled the game,” Gilbert said. “Paige Redditt was just dominant on the boards.”
Redditt and Kristin Thomas each had nine rebounds.
“Rebounds really stunted their ability to do what they wanted to do out there,” said Gilbert. “Even though we got out-rebounded, we got critical rebounds.”
The Eagles (17-5, 7-3 Mid-American) advance to second in the MAC West, while the Golden Flashes (14-8, 7-3 MAC) ended a five-game win streak and fell to third in the MAC East.
Kent State’s comeback effort was led by Taisja Jones, who had 21 points, and Jamilah Humes, who had 17 points and seven rebounds.
“Right when I see the team start shaking a little bit, I try to take over the game a little bit more,” Schrock said.
Gilbert said she was impressed.
“They are really becoming a team,” Gilbert said. “They prepared for this game better than I’ve seen in a long time.”
The Eagles will stay home and get ready for a cross-divisional game against Miami (Ohio) on 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Convocation Center.
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