By: Ryan Henry
Kennesaw State (3-2, 0-0 CUSA) vs. USC Upstate (3-5, 0-0 Big South)
Kennesaw, Ga. | VyStar Arena
Friday, Nov. 28 | 7:00 p.m.
ESPN+
Live Stats
KSU Game Notes |
USC Upstate Game Notes
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KENNESAW, Ga. – After a falling in the second half to South Alabama, Kennesaw State women's basketball will look to bounce back against USC Upstate on Black Friday.
Keyarah Berry led the way on Tuesday night with 19 points and 10 rebounds. It's her first double-double of the season, her fourth overall.
TaTianna Stovall had the best game in her early Owl career. She played 25 minutes off the bench, scoring 10 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting.
USC Upstate snapped a two-game losing streak, taking down Montreat College, 96-37. The Spartans pulled down 74 rebounds, the second most by a Division I team this season. The 96 points were the most by them in over three seasons.
The Owls lead the all-time series 24-15 although they are on a two-game losing streak against the Spartans. Their last matchup came on Feb. 3, 2018, when both teams were in the ASUN. Four Owls scored in double figures in that contest. Carlotta Gianolla led the way with 18 points and freshman Alexis Poole had a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench.
The Owls will be partnering with PORCH Communities and KSU Campus Panty to host a food drive for Friday's game. To learn more about the food drive and how you can contribute, click
here.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
- 3 - KSU has played in three one-possession games. They are 2-1 in such contests.
- 4 - The Owls started 3-1 in their first four games. It's the best opening stretch in the Blue Era.
- 6 – Shania Nichols hit six 3-pointers vs. Shorter. It's the most by a CUSA player this season.
- 11 - Keyarah Berry is 11 games played away from being top 10 all time in KSU DI history.
- 50 - Head Coach Octavia Blue won her 50th game at ETSU. She's the second KSU coach with 50 DI wins.
Berry Nice
After being named to the CUSA Preseason Team, graduate guard
Keyarah Berry is living up to the hype. She scored a career-high 25 points against FAU, with 21 of those coming in the second half. She is also contributing on the defensive end, recording three steals in four games this season. Berry currently leads CUSA in scoring (18 points per game) and ranks fourth in steals (2.8) and field goal percentage (51.5%).
Lockdown Defense
Effort has been a calling card of the Owls under head coach
Octavia Blue. KSU held NCAA tournament team Tennessee Tech to a 30.4 FG% and forced 19 turnovers. Among CUSA teams, KSU ranks first in opponent rebounds (29.4), second in scoring defense (58.8) and fifth in turnover margin (+2.00).
Back to Form
After missing all of last year with a season-ending injury, redshirt sophomore
Trynce Taylor has shined in her return. Against Tennessee Tech, she hit the game winner to take down the undefeated Golden Eagles. In that contest, she scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. At ETSU, she corralled a career high 12 rebounds. Taylor is averaging 9.6 points per game and 8.0 rebounds per game.
Tennessee Takeover
Tennessee native
Latazia Williamson had a career day for the Owls in their win over ETSU. The junior popped off for 20 points, shattering her previous career high. In the third quarter alone, she posted 10 points including eight unanswered to close out the quarter.
What a Debut
In her first game at KSU,
Shania Nichols erupted for 20 points in 19 minutes of action against Shorter. She went 6-of-9 from behind the arc, 7-of-11 from the field overall. Her six three-pointers in the contest are tied for the most by a CUSA player this season.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Season and single-game tickets are available for the 2025-26 Kennesaw State women's basketball campaign. Click
here to secure your seat inside VyStar Arena and don't miss a second of the action!
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.
