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ATLANTA —
Trynce Taylor and
Shania Nichols poured in 16 and 19 points, respectively, as Kennesaw State women's basketball held off a late rally to defeat Georgia State 69-63 on Sunday afternoon at the GSU Convocation Center.
With the win, the Owls improve to 6-3, the program's best start under fifth-year head coach
Octavia Blue and best nine-game start since the 2014-15 season.
KSU's victory over Georgia State also marks the program's first-ever string of consecutive wins in the 15-game rivalry series.
First Half
The Panthers opened with a 13-6 lead over the first four minutes before
Kaelyn Flowers sparked a 7-0 Owls' run with a steal and fastbreak score. Taylor added a mid-range jumper and
Marihya Hart a 3-pointer as KSU squared the game at 13.
After taking a 17-15 deficit into the second quarter, KSU hit its stride, outscoring the Panthers 24-14 before the half. The Owls started the quarter off hot with two triples from Nichols as well as one from
Gabriela Bendeck-Giron. Both guards went 2-for-2 at the free throw line to ensure a 39-31 KSU lead at the break.
Second Half
Georgia State rediscovered its 3-point shot and took advantage of a string of Owls turnovers to come within single digits at 52-46.
TaTianna Stovall started the fourth quarter off strong for KSU with a denial at the rim leading to a Nichols fastbreak lay-in on the other end. Stovall then delivered an offensive rebound and putback score on the Owls' next possession, keeping the Panthers at bay 58-50.
Taylor came up big for KSU in the waning minutes of action as she found
Keyarah Berry cutting to the rim for a deuce and moments later collected her own miss and put it back for a score and 62-56 lead.
The next two Panther possessions ended in abruptly with a charge drawn by Bendeck-Giron and steal from Taylor. KSU iced the game with free throws on its way to the 69-63 win.
Game Notes
- Trynce Taylor totaled 16 points on 8-of-9 from the floor with nine boards, three assists and three steals. Taylor scored in double figures for the fourth time this season and tied a career-high with eight field goals made.
- Shania Nichols recorded her fourth game scoring 18 or more points this season while going 7-for-7 from the charity stripe. Nichols has scored 18 or more points in three of her four starts.
- TaTianna Stovall added eight points, seven rebounds and a career-high six blocks. Stovall's six blocks is the most in a game by any CUSA player this season.
- Bendeck-Giron contributed eight points and a career-high five assists.
- Georgia State kept the game close with 20 points off of Owl turnovers but KSU countered with advantages in rebounding (34-24), bench points (13-6) and free throws made (12-4).
Head Coach Octavia Blue Postgame:
On Trynce Taylor's performance:
"I'm happy for her. She played a complete game today and she's still trying to find herself after missing a complete season with an injury last year."
On Shania Nichols' performance:
"She's shown her versatility. She's able to play multiple positions. Point guard isn't her natural position but she stepped in when we had foul trouble. I'm really pleased with her ability to stretch the defense."
On TaTianna Stovall's performance:
"She has great timing, a strong build and she's not easy to move on the low block. I'm really happy with her defensive presence today."
Next Time Out
The Owls make their final road trip of non-conference play next week with a matchup set at Miami on Sunday, Dec. 21. Watch KSU face the Hurricanes at 12 p.m. on the
ACC Network.
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.
