Feb. 3, 2008
Box Score
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.--Kennesaw State rallied from a 13-point deficit in the first half to take a 31-29 lead into the locker room after 20 minutes of play, but an early run by host East Tennessee State enabled the Bucs to escape with a, 72-66, victory over the Owls on Sunday afternoon.
The Owls (6-17, 3-6 A-Sun) trailed, 24-11, with 9:32 to go in the first half before a three-point barrage lifted the Owls into the lead. Led by Ronell Wooten's four made triple tries, KSU made seven three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes. Kelvin McConnell dished out six assists in the half, with his final coming on a J.D. Pollock three-pointer with 1:56 remaining. Pollock's basket was the final made shot of the opening period as the Owls took a 31-29 lead.
ETSU (13-9, 7-2 A-Sun) scored six of the first eight points of the second half to regain a two-point lead at 35-33. Wooten connected for three with 16:36 left to give the Owls their last lead of the game, 36-35.
From there, the Bucs took control of the game, going on a 16-3 run to take a 51-39 lead. Twice, the Owls would cut the lead to three in the latter stages, the last time occuring with 2:14 to go after a layup by Keonte Keith made the score 64-61. ETSU would score the next five points from there to put the game out of reach for the Owls.
Both teams made 23 field goals, but the Owls made 10 three-pointers to five for ETSU. The difference in the game was free throw shooting, as ETSU made 21-of-31 from the line, while KSU went 10-of-18.
Wooten led all scorers with 28 points, while Shuan Stegall and Keith each chipped in 11. Keith led all players with nine rebounds while McConnell's seven assists were also a game-best.
Kevin Tiggs had 18 points to lead the home team, with 10 coming from the charity stripe. Travis Strong had 13 points, and Courtney Pigram had 10.
The Owls will return to action this Thursday when they head to Buies Creek, N.C., to take on Campbell. Tip time is slated for 7:00 p.m.
