KENNESAW, Ga. —
Shania Nichols and
Trynce Taylor combined for 36 points as Kennesaw State women's basketball coupled strong shooting and tenacious defense in an 83-52 win over UTEP on Thursday night at VyStar Arena.
First Half
Nichols came out of the gates hot from 3-point range and helped the Owls jump out to a 13-3 lead with two quick triples. Taylor and
Keyarah Berry added five and four points, respectively, in the first quarter while Nichols pitched in a third 3-pointer to give KSU a 24-15 lead 10 minutes in.
The Owls dominated the offensive glass 8-2 in the first half and scored all six of the half's second-chance points in the second quarter.
Latazia Williamson gathered a board and recorded a put-back score to keep KSU in front 30-19 before the Miners cut the lead to single digits at 30-24. Berry ended the UTEP run with a steal and a fastbreak score.
Emaya Lewis came off the bench and notched a put-back score of her own to put KSU in front 36-29 at half. The Owls went to the break shooting 43% from the field to UTEP's 36.
Second Half
The Miners brought the game within a possession at 40-37 three minutes into the third quarter. KSU responded with a 6-0 run courtesy of plays made by Nichols, Taylor, Berry and
Kaelyn Flowers.
Nichols followed her own errant shot with an offensive rebound and fed the ball down low to Taylor for a score at the rim and the 42-37 lead. The Owls' next possession featured Berry collecting a near-turnover and scoring through the defense and off the glass. Flowers capped the run as she pushed in transition for a quick deuce.
KSU ended the third quarter on a 10-2 run and held UTEP scoreless over the final 2:53 for a 58-41 lead. The Owls pulled away with a dominant 25-11 fourth quarter in which they shot 67% from the field and allowed just 21% from the Miners. Taylor scored seven of her 18 in the final period while
TaTianna Stovall and Nichols added five points each.
Game Notes
- The 31-point win over the Miners is the Owls' largest margin of victory in a conference game since an 81-50 win over Queens on March 2, 2024.
- KSU finished the game shooting 46% from the field to UTEP's 35. While 4-of-11 from 3-point range, the Owls held the Miners without a triple on seven attempts.
- KSU assisted on 15 of 32 field goals while allowing only four UTEP assists on 16 field goals.
- The Owls turned 17 Miner turnovers into 24 points and turned the ball over just 13 times, resulting in only eight UTEP points.
- KSU controlled the glass 44-29, including 16-7 on the offensive end.
- The Owls outscored UTEP 46-28 in the paint and 17-5 in second chance points.
- Taylor's season-high 18 points came on 8-of-10 from the field to go along with nine rebounds.
- Nichols notched her seventh double-figure scoring game of the season with 18 points.
- Berry and Williamson added 13 and 10 points, respectively, while Stovall scored nine points with 11 boards.
Postgame with Head Coach Octavia Blue
On the team's performance versus UTEP
"It's all about defense. We're a defensive team. We sit there and worry about offense every possession but that's not us. We have to stop people on defense. That's what energizes us."
On bouncing back from the loss to Jax State
"One thing about us, we know how to bounce back. We stick to the basics. We came into practice this week, we watched the film and we understood that we didn't perform at our best. It was important to us to come back and show Owl Nation who we really are."
On the energy of the Owls' bench
"Bench energy is very important to us. We talk about it all the time. I go home and watch the film and make sure everyone's engaged and that they're ready when their opportunity comes."
Postgame with guard Shania Nichols
On what led to her 18-point performance
"My teammates always find me, I prepare and always have confidence in myself."
On keys to the team's defensive effort
"Hustle plays. We got on the floor every chance we had. We rebounded the ball. Everyone did really well there today."
Next Time Out
The Owls conclude their three-game home stand in a high noon showdown with New Mexico State on Saturday at VyStar Arena. Watch KSU face the Aggies 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.
