Feb. 22, 2009
Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. - The Owls scored 14 points in the first half and controlled the tempo, but once again poor shooting did in the Black and Gold as Kennesaw State fell to Lipscomb, 61-44, on Sunday afternoon at the KSU Convocation Center.
The Owls (7-20, 3-15 A-Sun) once again had to endure an anemic shooting first half as they came out of the gates strong, but struggled during the later part of the half as they were held to just seven points over the final 11 minutes and trailed 27-14 at the break.
"We just couldn't make our shots tonight," said head coach Tony Ingle. "I am proud of our guys effort and we played well defensively. This [Lipscomb] is a team that scored 90 points against us in Nashville and they scored over 80 against Mercer. We did a good job of keeping them in check."
Kennesaw State shot just 18.5% (5-for-27) in the first half and 25.7% (18-for-70) percent for the game as they were held under 50 points in back-to-back games for the first time since the 1985-86 season.
Kurtis Woods scored a team-high 13 points and Jon-Michael Nickerson added 10 points for Kennesaw State who lost its sixth straight game. Senior Jeff Croft had six points on a pair of three-pointers.
Lipscomb (14-13, 10-8 A-Sun) was able to keep the lead in double-digits in the second half, as Kennesaw State was only able to come within 11 points. Adnan Hodzic led all scorers with 15 points and had a double-double as he grabbed 10 rebounds. Brandon Brown also posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Lipscomb out-rebounded Kennesaw State, 54-33.
The Owls celebrated Senior Day before the game as they honored co-captains Croft and J.D. Pollock in an on-court ceremony in which the seniors, who were escorted by their families, were presented with a framed jersey and a plaque commemorating their KSU careers.
Kennesaw State will head out on its final road trip of the season when they play ETSU and USC Upstate next weekend. The Owls and the Buccaneers will meet on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Johnson City, Tenn. and the regular season concludes on Saturday afternoon in Spartanburg, S.C.
