Kent State–Tuscarawas came up just short in a tightly contested matchup, falling 71–70 to Miami-Hamilton in a game that was decided in the final moments. The Golden Eagles were facing the No. 3-ranked team less than 24 hours after earning a victory the night before, making the one-point loss an especially gritty effort.

After trailing 22–14 at the end of the first quarter and 34–28 at halftime, Kent State–Tuscarawas battled back with a strong second half. The Golden Eagles outscored Miami-Hamilton 22–17 in the third quarter and matched them point-for-point in the fourth to keep the game within reach until the final seconds.

Mallory Stutzman led all scorers with 21 points, hitting five three-pointers and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line while adding seven rebounds. Tamarra Thomas logged all 40 minutes and finished with 17 points, seven assists, and three steals. Abbey Parker anchored the paint with a dominant 15-rebound performance, including five offensive boards, while scoring eight points.

Kent State–Tuscarawas shot 31.3% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range, made 20-of-28 free throws, and won the rebounding battle 42–34. The Golden Eagles also totaled 10 steals and three blocks, showing defensive toughness against one of the top teams in the country.

Kent State–Tuscarawas returns to action on Saturday, the 24th, traveling to Villa Maria for a USCAA matchup with a scheduled 12:00 PM tip-off.