ASUN Conference Tournament First Round
Score: Kennesaw State 57, Eastern Kentucky 71
Records: Kennesaw State (9-19, 5-11), Eastern Kentucky (15-15, 7-9)
Key Players: Alexis Poole (13 pts, 8 rebs, 2 stls); Amani Johnson (13 pts, 5 assts, 3 rebs); Stacie Jones (9 pts, 4 rebs)

THE STORYLINE
The Kennesaw State women's basketball team faced off against Eastern Kentucky in a wild finish to the Owls' season, where the lead changed hands between the two teams 12 different times over 40 minutes. The Colonels were able to shift momentum in their direction in the fourth quarter, advancing to the next round of the ASUN Conference Tournament with a 71-57 victory Wednesday night in McBrayer Arena.

COACH OCTAVIA BLUE QUOTES
Thoughts on the game and season…
"We battled. We came out in the third quarter with some momentum, but they started to punch us back when we sent them to the free-throw line and had a couple of missed defensive assignments. All in all, I'm happy with the effort we put forth. I'm happy with the season that we had. Obviously, working to build and improve the program isn't easy, but as I told the young ladies in the locker room, I'm proud of how they embraced a new staff and a new system. They tried really hard all season long to do what we asked them to do."

On her goals for the offseason…
"There's a ton of development for the returners to get better in every area. My staff and I are going to assess each player, and we have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in this league. Player development is key and every player in every position needs to improve in order for us to be champions next year."

HOW IT HAPPENED
Alexis Poole was getting to work early for the visitors, putting up two-straight layups to take a 6-4 advantage in the opening four minutes; the co-captain would score her sixth point at the end of the quarter to give her squad a 17-16 lead at the horn.

Fellow forward Stacie Jones was also contributing in the first half, scoring five points in the second quarter from two layups and a free throw. 

The KSU no. 20 tied the game at 28 at the 2:17 mark and scored the last point of the half with a free throw, cutting an Owl deficit to 33-31.

Coach Blue's crew started the second half hot, as Jah'Che Whitfield capped a 9-0 run with a trifecta and secured a 40-33 edge for Kennesaw State.

The Colonels retook the lead at 42-40, which Amani Johnson abruptly snatched back with a long 3-pointer from the left wing.

Leading 49-47 at the close of the third quarter, Bre'Lyn Snipes grabbed a 51-49 upper hand after slicing through the lane for a layup.

The EKU defense then locked down and answered back with an 8-0 streak, granting the hosts the momentum required to clinch the win and advance to the next round.

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsWBB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.