Follow KSU Women's Basketball - X | Instagram
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Latazia Williamson had a career afternoon as Kennesaw State women's basketball held on against ETSU, 64-63, at Brooks Gymnasium.
The Memphis transfer had a career-high 20 points with five rebounds to lead the Owls (2-1).
Keyarah Berry (14 points and eight rebounds) and
Trynce Taylor (eight points and 12 rebounds) both had near double-doubles.
Today also marked the 50
th career win for head coach
Octavia Blue at The Saw.
First Half
The defense dictated the pace in the first quarter as both teams combined for just 22 points. The Owls led early but ETSU went on an 8-0 run in the final four minutes to tie it up.
Both offenses woke up in the second quarter. Berry picked up where she left off against FAU, scoring seven points. Like the first quarter, turnovers did the Owls in as they ended the half with 12. ETSU capitalized on the mistakes, scoring 15 of their 29 first half points off turnovers. KSU led 30-29.
Second Half
The third quarter was all Williamson, who scored 12 points in the quarter alone. She opened things up with back-to-back second chance opportunities to extend KSU's lead to four halfway through the quarter.
Off an inbound, Taylor found Williamson on the low blow who fought through two Bucs to sink an and-one. In the final 2:36, she scored eight unanswered points to put the Owls up 10 with one quarter to go.
ETSU didn't go away without a fight.
Kailyn Fields sank her second three of the contest with 5:19 left to bring KSU's lead back up to double digits. It was at this point where the Bucs' defense clamped down and orchestrated a comeback.
Meghan Downing scored five unanswered points to cut the deficit in half. After nearly two minutes with no scoring, Fields went 1-of-2 at the line to make it a six-point game. On the other end, ETSU sank a three to make it a one possession game. The Owls once again made a free throw which the Bucs responded to with a three-pointer.
With 11 seconds left, Berry was sent to the line to ice the game. The graduate student made the first free throw but the second one hit back iron. Down two, Anala Nelson was fouled. She made her first but couldn't convert the second. ETSU grabbed the offensive rebound and got a shot off but the look was too short.
Game Notes
Latazia Williamson set a new career high today with 20 points. Her previous career best was 10 when she was at Memphis.
Trynce Taylor hauled in a game-high 12 rebounds. It ties her personal best which set back on Dec. 11, 2023, against Mississippi State.
Today's win marks the 50
th career victory for head coach
Octavia Blue at Kennesaw State. The Owls have started 2-1 for the first time in the Blue Era.
Head Coach Octavia Blue Postgame:
"That game was definitely a nail biter. It's tough to win on the road so it was great to come out with a W after our heart breaker last week. ETSU is a pressing team and they stalled us in the first half and caused us to be sloppy. Coming out of the half, I told our girls to stay composed which helped us limit mistakes."
"It was a great afternoon for Latazia. It started with her being aggressive on the offensive glass and getting second chance opportunities. She hit a couple of foul-line jumpers as well so she was able to execute an inside-out game and keep the defense on their toes."
"Trynce sat out all last season and has worked really hard to get herself back. As we go through each game, you're able to see what she can do. She's not just a scorer, she's a great rebounder and passer too. She has a high basketball IQ."
Next Time Out
The Black and Gold return to VyStar Arena on Saturday to host Tennessee Tech. The game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
