Coach Abdur-Rahim Post-game Comments (Video)

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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State's Spencer Rodgers and Chris Youngblood each scored 15 points and the Owls used a 20-4 first half run to take control in an 81-57 victory over Piedmont College Sunday afternoon from the Convocation Center in college men's basketball action. 

FIRST HALF: The Owls had a slow start after Piedmont made three treys in the opening minutes for a 9-3 edge. KSU then reeled off a 19-2 run over the next 5:42. Seven different Owls scored during the spurt, with a fast-break layup from Kenny Burns putting the home team up by a 22-11 margin. The Lions closed the margin to seven at 24-17, before KSU took control with 20 of the game's next 24 points. Another Burns' jumper capped the run for a 44-21 advantage with 33 seconds to go in the half, and KSU would take a 44-23 lead into the break. 

SECOND HALF: As KSU played several different lineups in the second half, as all 13 Owl players that were dressed out saw action, Piedmont took advantage to slowly chip away at the edge. A 15-2 run would bring the Lions within eight, 49-41 with 13:18 on the clock, and it was in single digits again at 53-44 with 11:22 on the clock. KSU put away any thoughts of a Lion upset with a 28-8 spurt over the next nine minutes. Eleven of the 28 points came off Lion turnovers against the KSU pressure defensive.

STAT OF THE GAME: The Owls shot 58.1% (18-of-31) from the floor in the first half, and held a 31-19 edge on points off turnovers (31-19).

OWL OF THE GAME: Rodgers not only tied for the team-lead in points, he also added five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and was 4-of-6 from three-point range. 

NOTES- 

- Also in double-figures on Sunday was Kasen Jennings who was 4-of-6 for 10 points off the bench. 
- KSU held a 43-28 edge on the boards, and forced 23 turnovers. The Owls also blocked five shots, three by Desmond Robinson (six points, seven rebounds). 
- Terrel Burden set a new career-high with 10 assists to go along with seven points and four steals.
- As a team, KSU shot 47.8% (32-of-67) from the field, 30% (9-of-30) from three-point range and 66.7% (8-of-12) from the free throw line.

NEXT TIME OUT: KSU has a quick turnaround as it faces Carver Bible College on Monday in a 5 pm game in the Convo, the first part of a doubleheader with the Owl women who host Florida International at 7:30 pm.