FGCU 75, KENNESAW STATE 56 Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML) Photo Gallery | Highlights

KENNESAW, Ga.  – The Kennesaw State women's basketball team played defending ASUN Conference regular-season champion Florida Gulf Coast even for a half before the sharp-shooting Eagles caught fire in the second half and went on to post a 75-56 victory over the Owls Monday (Jan. 16) at the KSU Convocation Center.
 
Senior guard Deandrea Sawyers had the hot hand early for Kennesaw State (2-15, 1-2), scoring 17 of her game and season-high 23 points in the first half as the Owls built a 20-13 lead after one quarter and were tied 30-30 at halftime.
 
However, Florida Gulf Coast (14-6, 3-0) found its stroke in the second half, outscoring Kennesaw State 45-26 in the third quarter, and shot 41.7 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes. The Eagles finished the game converting 41.5 percent of their field goal attempts.
 
"Hands down, that was the best first half we have played this season," head coach Agnus Berenato said. "They're finally understanding me and what we expect, and I think they really had good faith the first half, but in the second half they couldn't sustain it."
 
Sawyers was the catalyst for the Owls in the first quarter as she went 7-fo-9 from the field, with a three-pointer, and scored 15 points as KSU took a seven-point advantage into the second quarter. She finished the game 10-for-18 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free throw line.
 
"Deandrea played a great game. She came out and punched them in the mouth because she offensive rebounded, and when she offensive rebounds she is able to pull up and score, then she was able to spot up from the outside," Berenato said. "She was relentless in penetrating, rebounding and putting it back up. She played like a champion today."
 
The second half began with a 12-3 run by Florida Gulf Coast as it assumed a 42-33 lead with 4:46 remaining in the third period, and outscored the Owls 22-7 in the quarter, and took a 52-37 lead into the fourth.
 
"All in all, I am really pleased. Florida Gulf Coast is a good team, but we'll be here to compete," Berenato said.
 
NEXT UP
The Owls will begin a stretch of three straight road games when they travel to Florida to meet defending ASUN Conference champion Jacksonville on Saturday (Jan. 21). Tip-off is 2 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.