Box Score (PDF)

KENNESAW, Ga. – The Owls put together an unbelievable fourth quarter against North Alabama on Monday, as they fought back from a 10-point deficit to beat against the Lions 59-56.

"I am so happy for this team because they really pulled out a tough game tonight. They really believed in the plan and believed in each other," said Head Coach Agnus Berenato. "Hoover made two really big shots and Amani Johnson was stellar tonight. Poole came alive in the fourth quarter and the team recognized that and fed her. This was an incredible team win." 

The Owls outscored UNA 31-20 in the second half, which included 14 points from Alexis Poole in the fourth quarter.
 
KSU went into the first media timeout down 7-4 with all four points coming from free throw shots by Breanna Hoover and Carlotta Gianolla. The Owls began to pick up the pace thanks to two jumpers from Amani Johnson. The first quarter ended with the Owls being trailing the Lions 16-13.
 
North Alabama started the second quarter with nine straight points, but that run was ended by a three-pointer from Hoover to make the score 25-16. Hoover's hot night continued as she sank another three-point shot to cut the Lions' lead to 29-26. The rest of the second quarter was a back-and-forth affair with the Lions leading at the end of the half 36-28.
 
Johnson lit up the third quarter for the Owls, as she drove through the Lion defense twice for layups, drained a three-pointer, and brought the Owls within four points at the end of the quarter with two free throws.
 
Both Gianolla and center Gabi Legister were efficient around the rim for KSU, as they picked up four rebounds each in the third quarter. The Owls would go into the fourth quarter down 43-39.
 
UNA was lethal from the three-point line all night, and that didn't stop in the fourth quarter. The Lions began the fourth with two straight three-pointers to extend their lead to double-digits.
 
The Owls would refuse to give up, and Alexis Poole was at the heart of a dramatic comeback for KSU. Poole would score five straight points in a two-minute period to bring the Owls within three points. Poole went on to sink two free throws to tie the score at 53.
 
The Lions would net another three-pointer, which Hoover equaled with a three-point shot of her own. Poole would end her impressive fourth quarter with another layup, and two free throws that would secure the win for the Owls.
 
The final horn would blow with the Convocation Center rocking, and KSU beating North Alabama 59-56. Poole and Johnson would combine for 35 points on the night.
 
Kennesaw State will travel to Jacksonville, Fla. to take on the UNF Ospreys at 1 p.m. on Saturday.