Scores: Kennesaw State 57, Florida 84
Records: Kennesaw State (1-3), Florida (2-1)
Key Players: Clara Young (13 points); Iceis Walker (12 points, 8 rebounds); Team Scoring (Nine players scored at least two points)
 
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KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team dropped a non-conference matchup with SEC foe Florida, 84-57, at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Saturday (Nov. 21) evening.

The Owls (1-3) were paced by a balance attack offensively, as nine KSU players totaled at least two points in the game and each player logged minutes in the game. Redshirt sophomore Clara Young led the
Owls with 13 points, hitting 2-of-2 from deep and Iceis Walker chipped in with 12 points in her debut in the starting lineup.

The Gators (2-1) had four players total in double-figures.

Kennesaw State's energy was strong out the gate, hitting 4-of-5 shots in the opening minutes to keep pace with the Gators. Two 3-pointers from Walker and Aareon Smith pulled the Owls within 14-12 after the first media timeout, and finished the quarter with 17 points – its second-most points totaled in a single quarter this season.
 
Five different Owls scored in the second quarter, keeping a balanced attack against Florida to keep pace. In fact, Kennesaw State hit 12-of-16 free throws – 7-of-10 from the FT line in the second quarter—in the first half, totaling 35 percent of its points from the line.
 
Florida went into halftime leading 48-34.
 
It was Young that led KSU in the second half, tallying 11 of her 13 points in the second half. Young hit both her 3-pointers in the final 20 minutes of play, and also hit two field goals inside the arc and a free throw.
 
In all, KSU shot 36 percent (18-of-50) from the field and 5-of-17 (30 percent) from beyond the arc. The Owls also hit 16-of-24 (66 percent) from the free throw line.
 
Up Next
Kennesaw State will conclude its three-game road trip in Tallahassee, Florida against Florida A&M on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. The Owls will then head back to Kennesaw, Georgia for the Thanksgiving Classic, which will be Nov. 28-29 at the KSU Convocation Center.
 
Coach Perry Quote
"I thought for the first two quarters we played really hard. Overall, we played hard and it's tough when a team is pressing, and over time it wore on us. We took some good shots tonight and the 3-pointers were, at times, the good shot. They displayed a lot of character and heart and battled against a tough opponent in Florida. I feel like overall we are a blue collar team and I'm proud with how they fought. Clara looked comfortable in the second half and she play hard tonight. It was good to get her going in the second half. We have to keep the right composure throughout and we will need to have that on Tuesday night against FAMU."
 - Kennesaw State Head Coach Nitra Perry

Notes
- The meeting against Florida marked the first SEC bout since Dec, 15, 2014.
- The meeting between Florida and KSU marked the second-ever game in programs' history, as the Gators defeated the Owls 83-62 on Nov. 17. 2013.
- Clara Young scored 11 of her 13 points in the second half.
- Iceis Walker made her first start of the season, logging 12 points and eight rebounds.
- Nine players scored at least two points.
- Iceis Walker logged 35 minutes in the game.
- The Owls fall to 0-2 all-time against the Gators.

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.