Feb. 1, 2008
Box Score
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Ronell Wooten scored 20 points and Shuan Stegall had another balanced effort with 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five turnovers, but Kennesaw State saw a seven point lead at halftime turn into a 71-65 loss to USC Upstate in Atlantic Sun Conference play on Friday night.
The Owls were in search of their first road win of the season and seemed to be in good shape after using a 12-0 run to take a 33-26 lead at the midway point. Eight different Owls scored in the opening 20 minutes, led by Stegall's eight points.
KSU (6-16, 3-5) saw its lead vanish in an instant in the second half as the Spartans went on a 12-0 run to start the period and take a 38-33 lead. The Owls would fall behind by as many as 10 in the second half, but trailing 57-47 with 5:37 to go, the Owls went on a 10-0 run of their own to even the score. J.D. Pollock and Stegall each scored four points during the run to help KSU even the game.
Trailing by a point, Wooten gave the Owls their final lead of the game with a three-pointer, making it 60-58 with 2:37 remaining. Undaunted, Upstate (5-17, 3-5) went on an 8-0 run to recaputure the advantage.
Down by six, Wooten connected for his final three-pointer of the game to make it 66-63 with 30 seconds to go. After a made free throw by Upstate, Johnathan Whipple sank a jumper with six seconds left to cut the advantage to two. But Upstate's Josh Cravis finished the scoring with four free throws in the final four seconds to seal the deal for the home team.
Freshman Kelvin McConnell scored in double figures for his third consecutive game, scoring 11 points thanks in part to three made shots from beyond the arc. The A-Sun's leaders in steals per game, the Owls forced 26 turnovers with 13 coming via steals.
Bobby Davis had a double-double for Upstate, scoring a game-high 24 points and collecting a game-best 11 rebounds.
The Owls will be back in action this Sunday when they travel to Johnson City, Tenn., to take on East Tennessee State. Game time is slated for 2:00 p.m.
