March 2, 2007
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - Life is full of surprises and for Kennesaw State they were surprised on Friday night as Mercer stunned the Lady Owls, 55-50, at the KSU Convocation Center on Friday night.
With a .500 conference record within their grasp, Kennesaw State let a 13-point lead slip away as the Bears won for just the fifth time this season.
Mercer (5-23, 4-13 A-Sun) came into the game playing their best ball of the season, but the Lady Owls did everything in their power to give away the game.
Twenty-seven turnovers dictated the game, as did the inability to finish. The Lady Owls (12-16, 7-10) let a second-half advantage dwindle to one-point, 46-45, when Stephanie Scearce (5-for-13) made one of two free-throws with 4:11 remaining. Rhonda Owens (1-for-6) hit a jumper for a one-point Mercer lead and the Bears never trailed.
In the final three minutes, with the game on the line, Kennesaw State wilted. Four missed shots and four turnovers gave Mercer an eight-point lead and the eventual win.
Mercer gave KSU every opportunity to take back the game, but on every chance there was a Lady Owl miscue or poor decision. On two possessions with the Lady Owls down by a point, Jade Robinson (1-for-6) missed a hurried three-pointer and then misfired on a jumper with just over two minutes remaining.
Then, in a span of 90 seconds, Mercer committed three turnovers, but the Lady Owls committed two of their own and added a missed jumper by Jennifer Baker (1-for-9) as Mercer scored seven straight points to clinch the win.
Kennesaw State had a strong first half, shooting 41 percent from the floor and building a 24-11 lead late in the half. However, the momentum began to swing the Bears way with a 14-6 run to end the half.
Nicole Leonard (7-for-12) had a game-high 16 points for Mercer while Chelsea Seabron (3-for-9) added 11 points and nine rebounds. Kennesaw State was led by Gia Lockett's (6-for-10) 13 points. Scearce scored 11 points and added eight rebounds.
The Lady Owls will conclude their season on Sunday afternoon when they battle the Stetson Hatters at 2:00 p.m. at the KSU Convocation Center. Sunday's game will be Sellout Sunday with free admission for all fans.
