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BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team suffered an 84-58 setback to Gardner-Webb at Paul Porter Arena on Thursday night (Nov. 14).
 
"I think our youth got exposed tonight," said head coach Nitra Perry. "This was a team we definitely could have competed with, but we went into halftime with a one-point lead when it should have been five or six. We just really showed the immaturity of our team by taking bad shots, turning the ball over right before the half and then coming out in the second half not understanding it is a dog fight regardless if you are winning or losing. I think after the Tennessee State game we just felt a little too comfortable instead of being prepared to play every night and that comes with the maturity level and the youth of our team."
 
A trio of juniors led the Owls against GWU, as guard Ty-Nita Baker scored a game-high 16 points, while guard Kristina Wells recorded KSU's first double-double of the year with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Valescia Dixon added 14 points, including 10 in the second half, and seven rebounds.
 
In a first half that saw nine lead chances and eight ties, KSU (1-2, 0-0) used back-to-back jumpers by freshman forward Chloe Branch go gain momentum and a four-point lead at 29-25. The Bulldogs (3-0, 0-0) would respond before the end of the half with an Olivia Parker layup with a minute left to cut the lead to one at 32-31 at intermission.
 
Out of the break GWU scored the first five points of the half, before a jumper by Dixon and a three-pointer by Baker gave the Owls the lead at 37-36. The Bulldogs then used a 16-0 run to take control of the game.
 
The Owls moved to within nine at 57-48 with a little less than eight minutes left in regulation on a three ball from junior guard Bria Young, but the Bulldogs pulled away with a game-deciding 9-0 run before sailing to the 84-58 victory.
 
For the game, KSU shot 36.5 percent and notched 18 second chance points on 37 rebounds, including 16 offensive boards.
 
The Owls return to the friendly confines of the KSU Convocation Center for one of the marque games of the non-conference slate as KSU battles Southeastern Conference foe Florida on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. (ET). The contest will also be broadcast on ESPN3.com.
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsWBB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
 
Season and single game tickets are currently available for all the home court action for the Owls and can be purchased by following the link HERE.
 
 

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