Feb. 9, 2008
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga.--Battling flu-like symptoms, Britteny Henderson had 22 points and 21 rebounds to give Kennesaw State a, 72-61, victory over Gardner-Webb in Atlantic Sun Conference action at the KSU Convocation Center on Saturday afternoon. The win improved the Lady Owls to 7-3 on the season in A-Sun play, two games out of first place in the conference.
Henderson nearly had a double-double at halftime, scoring nine points and grabbing 10 boards in the first 20 minutes of play. The Lady Owls led by six points at the break despite foul problems plaguing the back court. Greteya Kelley, who led KSU with 10 points in the first half, Jennifer Baker and Ashley Johnson each picked up two fouls early in the game. Kelley still managed to play 16 minutes in the first half, even after picking up her second foul with 17:06 to go.
The Lady Owls (12-10, 7-3) trailed, 27-26, with 5:10 remaining in the opening frame, but KSU closed the half by scoring 13 of the last 19 points. The final points of the half came with 5.1 seconds remaining as DeAndrea Bullock sank a layup and was fouled. The free throw to complete the three-point play was good and KSU led 39-33 at the break.
The Bulldogs (9-14, 5-5) scored the first points of the second half to make it a four-point game, but thanks in large part to Henderson's play and a revitalized backcourt, the Lady Owls were never threatened. Henderson and Kelley combined to score the first 11 points of the second half for KSU, extending the lead to 11 at 50-39. The lead would swell to 15 after a jumper by Jade Robinson made it 55-40 with 7:50 to go.
Gardner-Webb would get as close as nine points in the final minutes, but KSU finished the game off from the charity stripe. The last 10 points for the Lady Owls all came from the free throw line. Even when KSU missed free throws, the team would find a way to get offensive rebounds as the Lady Owls outrebounded GWU 52-34, including a 26-18 margin on the offensive end.
Ashley Johnson made six free throws and finished with 10 points for KSU, joining Henderson and Kelley (15 points) as KSU's double-figure scorers. Montinique Nixon grabbed 11 rebounds, a total that would normally lead the team on most afternoons. But on this Saturday, Henderson's 22 rebounds set a new Kennesaw State Division I record, in addition to a high-mark for the Convocation Center.
Margaret Roundtree had 15 points and a team-high six rebounds to lead the way for GWU. Monique Hudson added 13 points in the losing effort.
Kennesaw State will be back in action this Monday in Buies Creek, N.C., against Campbell. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
