Nov. 17, 2006
NEW YORK, N.Y. - New York's Jay-Z was the music played before the Owls made their New York City debut, but it was Kennesaw State who took St. Peter's and "showed them what they got" as the Owls jumped out to an early lead and never trailed as they downed St. Peter's 67-60 in the opening game of the Third Annual Tyler Ugolyn Columbia Classic on Friday evening at the Levien Gymnasium.
The Owls (1-1) led at halftime and kept the lead in double-digits until late in the game. St. Peter's briefly rallied to make the score 41-32 with 14:22 remaining before Golden Ingle and Shuan Stegall connected for five consecutive points to push the lead to 14 points.
Stegall led the Owls with 17 points and posted KSU's first double-double of the season as he grabbed 10 rebounds. However, the Peacocks (1-1) stayed within striking distance as Kevin Spann connected on a long-range three-pointer to make the score 63-58 with just over two minutes to play.
Todd Sowell made it a two possession game as his lay-up made the score 65-60 with just over a minute remaining. Spann had a chance to make it a one possession game after a KSU turnover but he rushed a three-point shot and the Owls Jonathan Whipple sealed the win with a monster slam off a pass from Golden Ingle.
Kennesaw State got off to a strong start as senior Brent Ragsdale hit two straight baskets in the first minute to build a 4-0 lead. Stegall then drained a one-handed floater for a 6-0 advantage less than two minutes into the game.
A pair of three-pointers by Quentin Martin and Raul Orta tied the game, but that was as close as Kennesaw State would allow the Peacocks to get.
A tremendous defensive effort by the Owls resulted in 26 St. Peter's turnovers and the Owls didn't allow a good look for St. Peter's until nearly four minutes into the game.
While the Kennesaw State defense was in high-gear the Owls offense kicked in as Stegall and Whipple each grabbed offense boards and followed with lay-ups in less than 30 seconds to ignite a 16-3 run.
Stegall scored seven points during the run including a three-pointer from deep in the corner as Kennesaw State took a 22-9 lead. Each team would score 13 points over the final seven minutes of the half as KSU took a 35-22 lead into intermission.
Kennesaw State had five players score in double-figures with Ragsdale and Keonte Keith scoring 12 each while Whipple added 11 and Golden Ingle scored 10 points.
The Owls will play the winner of New Jersey tech and Columbia at 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening.
