JACKSONVILLE STATE 65, KENNESAW STATE 59 Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML) | Highlights

KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team put up a spirited second-half comeback that mirrors its head coach's personality, but came up a bit short in a 65-59 setback to Jacksonville State in the Owls' home opener Monday afternoon at the KSU Convocation Center.
 
After a difficult start to the game shooting the ball, Kennesaw State (0-2) began to find its touch in the second half and cut a 20-point deficit into a six-point game with 3:30 remaining that put a scare into the Gamecocks (1-1), who were outscored by the Owls, 38-33, in the second half, including 28-15 in the fourth quarter.
 
"I just want to say how I proud I am of our team," head coach Agnus Berenato said. "We were down 20 and we really started to come back, and the fourth quarter was wonderful. I just told them this is our home and we need to protect the nest.
 
"Our shooting was really off today but I thought our defensive game plan worked to perfection against a really good three-point shooting team," Berenato added. "We didn't get the win but we won in so many ways."   
 
Sophomore Allison Johnson led the way for Kennesaw State as she established career highs with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
 
"I have been on Allison a lot this season and she really played tremendous," Berenato said. "She did a great job on the offensive end, rebounding and on defense."
 
After a slow first half that saw the Owls shoot 29 percent (9-for-31), Kennesaw State made 36.7 percent (11-for-30) of its field goal attempts in the second half.
 
A key to the Owls' second-half run was getting to the free throw line and converting 12 of 18 attempts. KSU finished 14-of-21 from the charity stripe, while Jacksonville State went 5-for-9 from the foul line.
 
Joining Johnson in double figures for Kennesaw State were Clara Young and Iceis Walker, who scored 10 points apiece.
 
UP NEXT
Kennesaw State returns to action on Wednesday (Nov. 16) when it hosts Georgia Tech at the KSU Convocation Center. Tip-off is 7 p.m. (ET).

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Follow Coach Berenato on Twitter @KSUCoachB.