Box Score (PDF)
KENNESAW, Ga. – In a Convocation Center filled with local students, Kennesaw State women's basketball team dazzled in a spectacular team effort against Shorter University to win 94-55. Five players scored 10 points or more, and the team set a new school-record for rebounds with 68.
"I am really excited about the win. I am really excited that we set a new school record with 68 rebounds. This was a game to really get after on the boards, both offensively and defensively," said Head Coach
Agnus Berenato. "I was really happy for
Simina Avram, who collected a double-double, and
Peyton Lewis, who turned in a career-high."
Amani Johnson and
Simina Avram both had double-double performances, as Johnson ended her night with 20 points and 12 rebounds; Avram scored 10 points and made 12 rebounds.
Peyton Lewis had a night to remember, as she set a personal best with 15 points.
The game started as a back-and-forth affair, and Johnson made an immediate impact on the game with two jumpers. With help from two baskets made by Avram, the Owls entered the first media timeout up 12-7 over the Hawks. KSU ended the first quarter up 22-16 off the back of a strong quarter from Johnson, which included seven points and three rebounds.
Carlotta Gianolla began to inflict her influence on the second quarter with three layups and three rebounds. Avram was strong around the net, and used her height to secure nine rebounds in the first half. The Owls went on a 13-0 run over the last three minutes of the half, and entered halftime up 42-25.
KSU quickly captured its first 20-point lead of the night as the second half began after a layup from Avram. Johnson continued her strong night, as she sank a three-pointer to make it 52-27 in favor of the Owls. Lewis broke her previous career high of seven points in spectacular fashion, as she nailed a three-point shot halfway through the third quarter.
Lexi Mann scored a fast-break layup to grab a 30-point lead with two minutes to go in the third quarter, but Shorter fought to shorten the gap as the third quarter ended with KSU on top 66-41.
Alexis Poole started off the fourth quarter strong, scoring a jumper and layup in the first minute-and-a-half. Poole ended her night with 14 points and seven rebounds. Johnson followed-up her own shot to collect a rebound, and layed it up to recapture a 30-point lead. The Owls controlled the ball until the final whistle blew, as the young fans screamed and cheered the Owls off the court.
Kennesaw State is set to travel to DeLand, Fla. to take on Stetson University at 1 p.m. this Saturday.
