HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Kennesaw State women's basketball fought back from a 15-point deficit to force a one-possession game late but was unable to retake the lead in a 62-57 loss to Sam Houston on Saturday afternoon at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
First Half
Defense dominated the first quarter with both teams struggling to score early. The KSU defense forced seven Sam Houston turnovers in the game's first six minutes.
The Owls trailed 19-13 early in the second quarter before
Latazia Williamson and Keyerah Berry started heating up. Williamson and Berry scored layups on three-straight KSU possessions to cut the Bearkat lead to 23-22.
Moments later, the Owls squared the game at 23 with Berry draining a free throw and their defense keeping SHSU off the board for over three minutes. Berry nailed two more free throws to help KSU stay within four, 29-25, at half.
The Owls shot 36% from the field in the first half while holding the Bearkats to 35.7%. Both teams turned the ball over 11 times in the half, with KSU recording eight steals.
Williamson led all scorers at the break with 12 points on 5-of-8 from the field.
Second Half
The Owls continued a tight battle through the first six minutes of the third quarter, with the Bearkats unable to extend their lead beyond five points. Williamson kept fueling the KSU offense, as well, scoring its first three field goals in the second half.
SHSU then appeared to take control of the game as it went on a 10-0 run over the period's final three minutes to take a 51-36 lead into the fourth.
The Owls, however, would not go quietly and responded with a 21-11 fourth-quarter scoring advantage.
Fields began the fourth with a steal-turned-Taylor layup. Taylor added three more buckets, Fields a 3-pointer and Nichols three free throws to pull within five at 55-50.
With 4:32 to play, Williamson scored a transition lay-in to bring the Owls to a 55-52 one-possession game. Berry then brought KSU within a bucket of tying, 56-54, with 1:20 to go.
Despite their defense holding the Bearkats scoreless from the field over the game's final six minutes, the Owls were unable to overcome late missed shots and foul trouble as SHSU pulled away for the 62-57 win.
Game Notes
- KSU shot 42% and held SHSU to 29% from the field, but was unable to overcome disparities in turnovers and rebounding.
- The Owls turned the ball over 25 times, resulting in 23 Bearkat points. KSU also recorded 13 steals on 19 SHSU turnovers, but scored just 14 points as a result.
- The Bearkats outrebounded the Owls 43-30, including 19-7 on the offensive glass.
- Latazia Williamson tied a career high with 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting, along with a career-high five blocks. Williamson has notched career highs in blocks in consecutive games, tallying nine for the week.
- Trynce Taylor bounced back from first-half foul trouble to score all 11 of her points in the second half on 4-of-6 from the field.
- Keyarah Berry scored 10 points, surpassing Ashley Holliday for eighth at KSU in Division I-era (2005-pres.) career scoring with 972.
Head Coach Octavia Blue Postgame
On the team's comeback to force a one-possession game late
"We always had it in us. Defensively, we turned up the pressure and were able to get the stops we needed. Offensively, I thought we were executing and sharing the ball. Once we cut it to two, I thought we deviated from what got us there. We have to understand how to stay the course with what's working for us."
What prevented the Owls from a come-from-behind win
"We got the looks that we needed, but we had a couple of key turnovers. That's been our Achilles heel this year. You can't go on the road and turn the ball over 25 times and expect to win against a top-tier team in our league."
On Latazia Williamson's performance
"She really established herself on the inside, and her teammates kept feeding her. Obviously, we were calling sets for her, but she created a lot for herself by being tough on the offensive glass. She was our lifeline early on because she was playing with the toughness and energy that we needed."
On the team's goals moving forward
"These were a disappointing two losses on the road. We have to learn how to win on the road. Tough teams learn how to win on the road. We had an opportunity to do so today, but we weren't able to capitalize on it. We'll get back to the lab and make sure we're working on taking care of the ball and putting ourselves in scenarios where if we fight that hard, we can finish the deal and get the win on the road."
Next Time Out
The Owls return to Kennesaw for a pair of home games Feb. 5 and 7, versus Delaware and Liberty, respectively, at VyStar Arena. Watch KSU face the Fightin' Blue Hens on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. EST 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.
