KENNESAW STATE 70, LIPSCOMB 55 Box Score (PDF) | Box Score (XML)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Sophomore Allison Johnson and freshman Carlotta Gianolla each recorded double-doubles to lead Kennesaw State to a 70-55 victory over Lipscomb in both team's ASUN Conference opener Saturday (Jan. 7) at Allen Arena in Nashville.
 
Johnson scored a season-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead the Owls (2-13, 1-0), while Gianolla contributed 13 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Junior Clara Young also finished in double figures with a season-high tying 17 points, including a clutch three-point basket with under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
 
"I am very happy with the way the kids came out and played with intensity," head coach Agnus Berenato said. "We were really ready for conference play and knew we had to crash the boards. We won a lot of 50-50 balls and got a lot of second-chance shots."
 
Kennesaw State won its third consecutive ASUN Conference opener, all three coming against Lipscomb (3-13, 0-1).
 
"The non-conference part of our season was all about the process and we were preparing the team for what it was going to see in the conference," Berenato said. "Once the Temple game ended it became the project and the kids really bought into what we were saying as a staff."
 
The Owls were active on the boards early and built a 31-24 halftime lead. KSU held a 24-17 rebounding advantage, including 13 offensive rebounds that led to 13 second-chance points. Johnson paced the Owls with 12 first-half points.
 
Kennesaw State outrebounded Lipscomb 44-31 for the game, collecting 20 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points. Johnson and Gianolla combined for 22 rebounds and helped the Owls finish with 32 points in the paint.
 
"Our posts really did a great job," Berenato said. "Allison and Carlotta worked really well together and are starting to understand each other, and that is very important. I am proud of them for hitting the boards and also playing on the offensive end, and Allison played with tremendous passion."
 
Young nearly recorded her first double-double of the season as she totaled eight rebounds to go along with 17 points. She was 7-for-10 from the foul line, including some clutch free throws down the stretch that helped the Owls seal the win.
 
With Kennesaw State leading 55-47 with 3:42 remaining, Young hit a big three-pointer that increased the Owls' lead to 58-47 and provided a double-digit lead.
 
NEXT UP
The Owls are next in action on Saturday (Jan. 14) when they host Stetson in their ASUN Conference home opener at the KSU Convocation Center. Tip-off is 2 p.m.

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.