By: Joseph Hovey
UTEP (9-8, 1-5 CUSA) at Kennesaw State (8-8, 1-4 CUSA)
Kennesaw, GA | VyStar Arena | Thursday, Jan. 22 | 7 p.m. EST
KENNESAW, Ga. — Kennesaw State women's basketball aims to snap a three-game slide when it returns to action versus UTEP on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. EST.
STANDINGS STATUS
The Owls and Miners are both seeking their second wins in Conference USA play. KSU enters Thursday's game tied for ninth in the league standings with Delaware, while UTEP is tied with WKU for 11
th. Both teams were picked to finish tied for eighth in the CUSA Preseason Poll.
RECAPPING JAX STATE
KSU opened its three-game home stand with a 74-47 loss to Jax State on Jan. 17. The Gamecocks let go an offensive barrage on their way to shooting 48% from the field and 50% from 3-point range with 14 triples on the day. At 34% from the field and 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, the Owls were unable to keep pace. KSU can bounce back within the confines of VyStar Arena as it plays four of its next six games at home.
CONSISTENT STRENGTHS
Despite a cold shooting day versus Jax State, the Owls continue to hold the highest field goal (44.3) and 3-point (35.8) percentages in the CUSA. KSU continues to limit opponent rebounds and holds the league's second-best mark in rebounds allowed at 31.9 per game. The Owls rank second with 3.94 blocks per outing and fourth in both steals forced (9.81) and scoring defense (61.3).
ON STARTING AND FINISHING
KSU's season has thus far been characterized by strong second and third-quarter performances alongside slow starts and struggles to close games late. The Owls are a combined -28 in first and fourth quarters this season, having been outscored in each of their last five opening periods and three straight fourths. KSU's skid began with road losses to Missouri State and FIU, Jan. 8 and 10. In each game, the Owls were outscored in fourth quarters featuring one-possession games with under three minutes to play.
Meanwhile, KSU is a combined +88 in the second and third quarters, with three third quarters of 28 or more points.
BERRY'S IMPACT
It was not without coincidence that KSU's 27-point loss to Jax State came on a day in which guard
Keyarah Berry went 2-of-11 from the field with four points. The loss to the Gamecocks was just Berry's second game this season without scoring in double figures. For the season, Berry ranks top 10 in the CUSA in scoring (14.1), field goals (91) and field goal percentage (46.2). While below her typical scoring output on Saturday, Berry co-led the team with seven rebounds. More than just a scorer, Berry ranks 10
th in the league in total offensive rebounds (36) and offensive boards per game (2.3).
Berry's two field goals versus Jax State were enough to move her into eighth at KSU in Division I-era (2005-pres.) career field goals made with 338.
STOVALL'S STEALS
Freshman forward
TaTianna Stovall continues to show her ability on the defensive end of the floor. Stovall recorded her third game of three or more steals in Saturday's loss. The Cleveland, Tennessee native is tied for second in the CUSA with 1.4 blocks per game and remains the only player in the conference with multiple games of five or more rejections.
FIELDS DELIVERS
With five assists against the Gamecocks, junior point guard
Kailyn Fields notched her fourth game of five or more helpers this season and 10
th such outing of her career. Fields is tied for third in the CUSA with 4.1 assists per game.
SERIES HISTORY
KSU and UTEP meet for just the fourth time on Thursday. The Owls lead the series 3-0, with each of the first three meetings coming a season ago. When last in Kennesaw, the Miners fell to KSU 84-70 on January 25, 2025. The Feb. 20 meeting resulted in a 68-56 Owl victory. KSU then completed the season sweep with a 71-63 win in the opening round of the CUSA Tournament.
Berry averaged 16 points per game for the Owls in the three outings, with a high of 24 in the postseason match-up.
KNOW THE FOE
Nineteenth-year head coach Keitha Adams leads UTEP into VyStar Arena at 9-8 and 1-5 in CUSA play. The Miners opened league action with an 82-71 defeat of Delaware but have since dropped five straight and are coming off a 67-59 loss to FIU in El Paso on Jan. 17. UTEP's Preseason All-CUSA guard Ivane Tensaie leads the team with 11 points per game while forward Ndack Mbengue averages 10 points and 8.5 rebounds.
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.
