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KENNESAW, Ga.  – Kennesaw State men's basketball fell 82-79 at Lipscomb in Allen Arena to begin ASUN Conference play.
 
Kendrick Ray led the team with 23 points and freshman James Scott was second on the team with a career high 17 points.
 
Coming down to the wire, Scott hit a free throw with 11 seconds remaining to tie the game at 79. Lipscomb came down the court and hit Josh Williams on a back door cut. Williams made the layup and ensuing free throw to go up 82-79 with 3.3 seconds remaining. Ray hoisted up a three from just over half court, but didn't get the shot fall.  
 
To start the game, Kennesaw State grabbed their first lead at the 13:35 mark in the first half after Nick Masterson hit a three. The Bison came back to tie the score with 10:02 left in the opening frame, but KSU responded with a 7-0 run behind hustle on the offensive glass by Johannes Nielsen.
 
Lipscomb cut the lead again, but the Owls closed the half on a 10-2 run to take a 36-27 lead into the locker room. Masterson went 5-5 with 12 points in the first 20 minutes.
 
The 27 points that KSU held Lipscomb to was the lowest scoring total they've had in a half this season.
 
Lipscomb shot out of their slump in the second half and cut the lead down to three by the first media timeout.
 
The Bison continued to shoot well and took their largest lead of the game with 8:59 up 59-52, but Scott started to take over. At one point, Scott scored eight straight points to put Kennesaw State back up 68-66.
 
Once the Owls got the lead back, Ray heated up scoring eight in a row, keeping KSU out front 78-75. The Bison were relentless at home though. Lipscomb ended the game with a 7-1 run over the final 2:07 to get the victory in the conference opener
 
Kennesaw State had 21 assists on 29 field goals in the game, but couldn't overcome the Lipscomb's scoring in the second half.
 
The loss moves KSU to 6-11 on the season and 0-1 in ASUN play. The Owls will get a chance to play on their home court next, as FGCU and Stetson come to town next weekend. The FGCU game kicks off the weekend on Thursday, January 12 at 7 p.m. That game is Student Appreication Night.

#NestNotes

• The Owls had three players score in double figures in the game. Ray had 23, Scott had 17 and Masterson had 12. This is the 11^th time this season that Ray has posted at least 20 points. Scott's 17 points was a career high for the freshman.
• Aubrey Williams led the team with 13 rebounds. It is his 11^th game this season with double-digit rebounds.
• KSU scored 20 of its 36 points off of 11 turnovers in the first half. The Owls outscored the Bison 20-2 in that category in the first 20 minutes.
• The 27 points that Lipscomb posted in the first half was the lowest scoring total for them in a half this season.
• Johannes Nielsen continued his good play off the bench scoring eight points and grabbing seven rebounds in 25 minutes.

 
 
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.