Nov. 6, 2008
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - Behind Kurtis Woods' game-high 16 points, a fast-paced offense and a paralyzing defense, the Fighting Owls jumped out to a, 19-2, lead and cruised to a, 90-40, victory over North Greenville in their preseason opener at the KSU Convocation Center.
Kennesaw State (1-0) did not let up on either end of the floor as an offense that was hitting on all cylinders was tagged with a suffocating defense, including tenacious play by freshmen Spencer Dixon and Woods.
The Owls caused 32 North Greenville turnovers which turned into 50 KSU points, had 17 steals and blocked six shots including three by newcomer Zadrian Gibson as the Black and Gold led, 48-20, at halftime and never looked back. Gibson also added five rebounds and two steals in his debut.
Woods was 5-for-8 from the floor and connected on three of four three-pointers in just 15 minutes. Jon-Michael Nickerson (6-for-9) added 14 points while Jonathan Whipple (5-for-6) pumped in 12 and John Allison made all but one of his six shots to finish with 10 points as the Owls shot 60 percent from the floor.
Eleven players hit the scoring column including nine points each by J.D. Pollock and Gibson. Jeff Croft scored six points and Brandon Chambers added five points and dished out a game-high five assists.
The Black and Gold defense held the Crusaders (0-1) to just one field goal and two free-throws in the first 10:09 of the game as they built a 23-4 lead. Whipple scored seven points during the run as the Owls made nine of their first 15 shots.
The Fighting Owls open up the regular season on Friday evening, Nov. 14 when they battle Western Illinois in the 100 Club Classic at 7:30 p.m. at the KSU Convocation Center. The first game of the tournament features Maine and Northern Illinois.
