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KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team used a total team effort to defeat Talladega College, 70-50, in its first and only exhibition game of the 2013-14 season on Sunday, Nov. 3 at the KSU Convocation Center.

"I thought the team effort was there today," said head coach Nitra Perry. "I thought there was a lot of energy, everybody contributed and everybpdy stayed positive. We saw some glimpses from Valescia Dixon and Deandrea Sawyers, and of course Kristina Wells, our steady leader. We were just excited to be out and to debut our team for the home crowd."
 
The Owls were led by freshman guard Deandrea Sawyers with a game-high 17 points to go along with three steals, as well as double-doubles from junior guard Ty-Nita Baker (12 points, 10 rebounds), freshman forward Chloe Branch (10 points, 13 rebounds) and junior forward Valescia Dixon (10 points, 12 rebounds).
 
KSU started quickly out of the gate, taking an 11-2 lead in the first five minutes of the game, sparked by two three-pointers from junior guard Bria Young. The Tornadoes pulled within three at 18-15 with just over 10 minutes in the half remaining, before the Owls ended the first period on an 18-8 run to take a 13 point lead into intermission.
 
Kennesaw State extended its lead to 53-27 26 with its largest lead of the game at 26 after holding TC to only two field goals in the first seven minutes of the second half.
The run was highlighted by four Branch layups.
 
With contributions from every player that played the Owls sailed in the second half, making 18-of-25 free throws including four-straight in the final minute and a half from Baker to seal the 20-point victory.
 
Junior guard Kristina Wells added 11 points, three assists and three steals in the winning effort.
 
KSU shot 76-percent from the free throw line, with Wells (6-for-6), Baker (7-for-8) and Sawyers (9-for-12) leading the way from the charity stripe.
 
As a team, the Owls shot 30-percent from the field, while holding the Tornadoes to just one three-pointer in the game. KSU picked up 52 rebounds and poured in 14 second chance points.
 
Kennesaw State will officially open the 2013-14 season next Friday, Nov. 8 at the College of Charleston. Tip is set for 8 p.m. (ET) at TD Arena. Following its season, the Owls return to Kennesaw for its home opener against Tennessee State on Monday, Nov. 11.
 
Tickets are just $6 for adults and $4 for youth ages three to 12. For more information on how to purchase tickets, please call the KSU ticket office at 770-423-6957, or by visiting KSUOwls.com/tickets.
 
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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