Flashes lose a fourth-quarter lead and fall at Northern Illinois, 81-79

Kent State let a four-point lead slip away in the last four minutes and lost at Northern Illinois Wednesday, 81-79.

The Flashes led 76-72 before Courtney Woods scored NIU’s last nine points on two three-pointers and three foul shots, Woods had 39 points, the second highest in Mid-American Conference this season.

Jordan Korinek had 27 points for Kent State. Megan Carter had 17, Ali Poole 14 and McKenna Stephens 10.

Both teams are now 1-1 in the early league season. Overall Kent State is 8-6; Northern is 9-4.

The Flashes play their first home game of the MAC season at 4:30 p.m. Saturday against Western Michigan.

Box score

DETAILED STORY WITH QUOTES FROM COACH TODD STARKEY WILL FOLLOW