Score: Kennesaw State 73, Mercer 76
Records: Kennesaw State (3-12), Mercer (10-3)
Key Players: Kendrick Ray (30 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals), Yonel Brown (17 points, 4 assists and 2 steals), Jordan Jones (10 points and 2 rebounds)

Box Score (XML) | Box Score (PDF) | Highlights 

KENNESAW, Ga. – With Kennesaw State down three with under five seconds remaining, Yonel Brown took a three that fell just short to allow the Mercer Bears to secure the road victory 76-73 in the KSU Convocation Center on December 30.
 
The Owls trailed almost the entire game, but Kendrick Ray fueled a late comeback by hitting a three and then sinking one free throw on the next possession to pull KSU within one point. On the ensuing possession, Mercer's Jestin Lewis drove to the basket and hit a layup for Mercer to put them back up 76-73 with seven seconds remaining. Brown rushed the ball up court and had a look to tie, but couldn't get it to fall.
 
Ray led all scorers with 30 points in the game and scored 13 of the final 15 points for the Owls. He led the team in rebounding as well with seven.
 
The late comeback started with KSU trailing 68-57 and Ray scored a quick seven points to bring the score to 68-64 forcing the Bears to use a timeout. Out of the timeout, the teams traded baskets back and forth until Ray got the deficit to one point, but Kennesaw State couldn't get over the hump.
 
In the first half, Mercer shot 54.8 percent from the field to take a lead as large as 13, but KSU continued to battle trailing by ten at the half.
 
The Owls had two other players finish the game with double figures as Brown finished with 17 and Jordan Jones added 10.
 
Kennesaw State has one more game before Atlantic Sun Conference play starts against Reinhardt at 2 p.m. on January 4.
 
Coach Skinner on the Mercer Game
"Unfortunately, we got ourselves down, but our defense started to pickup and that really allowed us to get back in the game. Our turnovers were down in the second half and we were much more aggressive offensively. Generally speaking, it's an improved effort, but the most important thing is we played the full 40 minutes. We put ourselves in a hole and we had to fight our way back, and against a good team that's very difficult. In the end, we gave ourselves a chance, and that's what you want for this team at this point in time is to put itself in a position to win and we had that opportunity. Hopefully next time we'll be able to come through and make the necessary plays."
- Kennesaw State Head Coach Al Skinner

Notes
- Ray's 30-point performance is the third 30-point game this year for Kennesaw State. Brown has the other two.
- KSU went 25-29 from the free throw line against Mercer. That is not only most free throws the team has made all season, but also the highest percentage at 86.2. The 25 is the most free throws the team since they made 34 against Chattanooga a season ago.
- This was the fifth straight loss to Mercer. The Owls are now 3-3 at home this season.
- Kennesaw State finished with 11 assists and only had 11 turnovers in the game.
  
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State men's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsMBB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
 
Season tickets are currently available for all the home court action for the Owls and can be purchased by following the link here.