KSU vs North Florida Box Score (PDF) | Postgame Press Conference
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Seniors
Terrell Burden and
Demond Robinson connected on what was nearly the game-winning play with 40 seconds to go, but North Florida came up with a three-point play with 25 seconds left and the Owls' last attempt was off the mark as KSU dropped a heartbreaker 82-81 on Senior Night from the Convocation Center on Friday.
STAT OF THE GAME: North Florida hit 14 three-pointers in the game, including 10 in the first half, to six for the Owls, leading to a 24-point difference for the visitors.
THE FIRST HALF: It was UNF's three-point attack against the Owls' inside game in the opening 20 minutes. The Ospreys would attempt 26 three-point attempts in the first half, and hit 10 of those. KSU meanwhile scored 20 points in the paint while dominating the boards, which included a 10-3 edge on second chance points. The game was tight at the start, until six unanswered gave UNF a 27-20 advantage. The Owls countered with a 13-4 run over a two-minute span, going up 35-32 on two Burden free throws at the 2:43 mark. UNF closed the half though on an 8-2 run for a 40-37 lead at the break.
THE SECOND HALF: The second half was just as competitive as the first, with a total of 16 lead changes. The Owls fell behind early by five before scoring seven straight to go up 46-44 on a Robinson dunk. KSU held a 66-65 edge when the Ospreys reeled off nine unanswered, taking a 74-66 lead with 5:38 to play. Robinson and Burden would combine for the game's next six points, and after UNF went up 79-77 with 1:43 to play, Robinson scored on the next two possession to give KSU an 81-79 lead. The go-ahead basket came when Burden penetrated into the lane and rose for a layup before dishing off to Robinson for an easy two. On its next possession, UNF drove down the last and scored while drawing a foul with 25 seconds to go, tying the game. The ensuring free throw gave UNF an 82-81 lead, while a scramble for the ball on the other end led to a look for three in the final seconds for the Owls that would not fall.
NOTES
-Robinson finished with a double-double on his senior night, posting 22 points and 12 rebounds. Classmate Burden was next in scoring with 15 points and eight assists.
-Also in double-figures was
Quincy Ademokoya with 13 points, and
Simeon Cottle with 11.
-As a team, the Owls shot 465 (30-65), and was 6-18 from three-point range for 33%. KSU also made 15-of-22 at the line for 68%.
-The Owls finished with a 43-34 edge on the boards, and 21-9 in second chance points.
-There was a total of 21 lead changes and 13 ties in the contest.
NEXT TIME OUT: The Owls will close out the regular season with three straight road games, starting with a Thursday, Feb. 22 contest at FGCU at 7 p.m.
