STETSON 65, KENNESAW STATE 56 Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)  Photo Gallery | Highlights

KENNESAW, Ga.  – A strong second-half performance was not enough to overcome a slow start as the Kennesaw State women's basketball team fell 65-56 to visiting Stetson in an ASUN Conference game Saturday (Jan. 14) at the KSU Convocation Center in Kennesaw.

Junior guard Clara Young scored a team-high 14 points and freshman forward Carlotta Gianolla added 12 points and a team-leading eight rebounds for the Owls (2-14, 1-1). Brianti Saunders, who entered the game second in the ASUN Conference in scoring with 16.6 points a game, led all players with 16 points for the Hatters (12-5, 1-1).

"I was really pleased with our freshman and I thought Carlotta did a really good job," head coach Agnus Berenato said. "Stetson is picked in the top two in the conference and I thought the first half we were a little shell-shocked. I thought we did a much better job in the second half, but we missed a lot of layups and shots in the paint. When we have those shots, we have to make them."  

After trailing 36-23 at halftime, Kennesaw State opened the second half with a 12-2 run to trim Stetson's lead to 38-35 following a layup by Deandrea Sawyers with 4:16 remaining in the period. The Owls went on to outscore the Hatters 12-7 in the quarter.

Stetson was able to build its lead back up to 10 points on two occasions before Kennesaw State twice cut the deficit to six points, the last coming on a basket by Gianolla with 2:20 to play.

However, the Owls were unable to get any closer as the Hatters converted from the line, making 13 of 18 free throw attempts over the final 10 minutes.

Stetson used its size advantage to outscore Kennesaw State 30-16 in the paint. The Owls, however, won the turnover battle, committing a season-low tying 11 turnovers while forcing 14, and made nine steals.

NEXT UP
The Owls continue ASUN Conference action Monday (Jan. 16) when they host Florida Gulf Coast at the KSU Convocation Center beginning at 12 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.