By: by Jason Hanes
KENNESAW, Ga. - Angie Smith had 17 points to lead the Kennesaw State women's basketball team as the Lady Owls fell 77-52 to Georgia State on Saturday evening at the KSU Convocation Center in the season opener for both schools.
"I'm disappointed with how we played," said KSU head coach Colby Tilley, "but we're a young team and I knew we'd make mistakes against a team with as much experience as Georgia State. They're a good team and their pressure got to us in the first half."
The Lady Owls (0-1) allowed the Panthers to shoot 34-of-60 from the field, with 46 points coming in the paint. KSU was able to force as many turnovers as Georgia State - 28 each - but the Panthers took 14 more shots than the Lady Owls thanks in part to a 36-23 rebounding advantage.
Georgia State (1-0) scored the first six points of the game and led by 11 points at 15-4 with 13:40 to go in the first half. The Panthers continued to press and pound the paint, pushing the lead up to 22, 42-20, after the first 20 minutes.
The Lady Owls played Georgia State much tougher in the second half as KSU was outscored by just three points over the final 20 minutes. Ashley Holliday was a big reason for that, connecting on 3-of-3 from beyond the three-point line in the second half. Gia Lockett also connected on both of her shots in the second half, including one from three-point territory to finish with seven points. For the game, the Lady Owls connected on six three-pointers, compared to just one for the Panthers.
Until the late stages of the game, only four players had scored for Georgia State. The Panthers were led by Danyiell McKeller and Chandra Harris, who each scored 22 points. Harris converted a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds. Angelique Burtts had 15 points and seven assists for the Panthers.
The Lady Owls will return to action Friday, Nov. 20 when Jacksonville State visits the KSU Convocation Center. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.
