By: by Mark Toma
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. –
Montinique Nixon had a double-double as the Kennesaw State Lady Owls picked up their first win of the season on Friday evening, stopping Jacksonville State, 66-51, at the KSU Convocation Center.
The Lady Owls (1-1) got solid performances throughout their lineup as four players scored in double-figures with
Angie Smith and Nixon leading the way with 12 points each.
After a poor shooting first half, the Lady Owls rebounded with a scorching second half as they connected on 16-of-32 shots from the field while a swarming defense held Jacksonville State (0-3) to just 8-of-26 from the floor.
“I thought our second half was very good,” said Kennesaw State head coach
Colby Tilley. “We played hard on defense and we did have a lot of fouls, but that was because we were being aggressive and forcing the issue defensively.”
After a jumper by Brittany Wiley gave the Lady Gamecocks a two-point lead on the first possession of the second half, the Lady Owls quickly took control, going on an 11-2 run over the next four minutes.
Sametria Gideon, who scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds, started things off with a short jumper and
Ashley Holliday followed with a three-pointer to give the Black and Gold a lead they would the rest of the night. Nixon and
Lisa Capellan would hit back-to-back lay-ups to give KSU a seven-point lead.
Smith, who had just one point in the first half, came alive in the second half scoring 11 points including a electrifying five-point spurt after Jacksonville State cut the lead to 49-47 with just under eight minutes left in the game.
“Angie really took control in the second half,” added Tilley. “As a sophomore she is still learning the position, but tonight she really caught the flow of the game and really contributed when we need big plays.”
Despite shooting 20 percent from the field in the first half, the Lady Owls entered the locker room tied at 27, as they were able to control the boards with a six rebound advantage, including eight on the offensive glass.
“We talked at halftime and told them that we were taking good shots but they weren’t falling,” said Coach Tilley. “I told them to just keep on being smart when it came to shot selection.”
The Lady Owls were able to trim away at an early eight-point Jacksonville State lead as Kayla Weaver’s three-point play ignited a 10-0 run that gave the Lady Owls a 14-12 lead midway through the first half. Gideon scored four points during the spurt including a pair of free-throws to cap the rally. The teams finished the half exchanging baskets, as there were five lead changes and four ties over the seven minutes of the half.
Gia Lockett had a very strong all-around game for the Black and Gold, scoring 10 points, grabbing five rebounds with five assists and five steals. Jacksonville State’s Zenobia Pitts led all scorers with 15 points and also added nine rebounds.
The Black and Gold will be back in action on Sunday afternoon when they host Longwood at 1:30 p.m. at the KSU Convocation Center.
