Arkansas State 70, Kennesaw State 67 Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Kennesaw State junior guard Clara Young led a group of four players in double figures with a career-high 17 points during a tough 70-67 setback to Arkansas State in the opening game of the Puerto Rico Classic Monday (Dec. 19) at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas.
 
The Owls (1-9), who led throughout most of the game and held a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, were victimized by a late Red Wolves (2-8) run. After trailing 61-51 with 7:55 remaining in the final period, Arkansas State went on a 19-6 run and secured the comeback win on a pair of free throws by Brittany Fowler with :07 to play.
 
Kennesaw State had an opportunity to tie the game and force overtime, but two 3-point attempts came up short.

"I am really proud of my team because it fought hard and we had an opportunity to win," head coach Agnus Berenato said. "We had four ladies in double figures, and it was our best shooting night. We picked up our offensive rebounding and outrebounded Arkansas State."
 
The loss overshadowed a strong performance by the Owls as they set a season-high for field goal percentage (44.1 percent) and outrebounded the Red Wolves, 39-36.
 
Joining Young in double figures were sophomore Allison Johnson, freshman Carlotta Gianolla and senior Deandrea Sawyers, who all finished with 12 points. Johnson also recorded her third double-double of the season as she added 10 rebounds to go along with her 12 points.
 
After a strong third quarter in which Kennesaw State outscored Arkansas State, 22-16, and shot 66.7 percent (8-for-12) from the field to build a 57-48 lead, the Owls hit a dry spell in the fourth quarter, making just 4 of 16 shots (25.0 percent) and were outscored 22-10 in the final period.
 
The Owls held a 35-32 halftime lead behind a productive offense that connected on a season-high 44.4 percent of its field goal opportunities and turned 12 Red Wolves turnovers into 19 points. Johnson, Gianolla and Sawyers paced KSU with eight points apiece.

"I am very proud of my team because we fought hard," Berenato said. "We will begin to prepare for Portland State."
 
NEXT UP
Kennesaw State returns to action on Tuesday (Dec. 20) when it continues play in the Puerto Rico Classic by taking on Portland State beginning at 7:30 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.