KENNESAW, Ga. — Kennesaw State women's basketball began the
Tianni Kelly era with a 72-42 season-opening win over Shorter on Monday morning at VyStar Arena.
The new-look Owls rode a 15-0 run to a 26-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back in a wire-to-wire win in which four players scored in double figures, led by
Kaelyn Flowers' career-high 15 points.
Flowers complemented her scoring with a team-high five assists and four steals as well as five rebounds.
Tracey Bershers,
Shania Nichols and
Arissa Jenkins each reached double figures as well, with Bershers recording 13 points and eight rebounds, Nichols notching 12 points, five boards and three steals and Jenkins posting 10 points and five rebounds.
Madyson Elliott made her presence felt off the bench with 12 rebounds, including five on the offensive end.
First Half
Bershers scored the first bucket of the Kelly era with a top-of-the-key three-pointer. The Owls capitalized on nine forced turnovers with a 15-0 run on their way to a 22-2 lead. KSU's scoring run featured a triple and two free throws from Flowers along with fast-break scores from Elliott, Jenkins and Nichols.
KSU moved into the second quarter leading 26-9 and maintained its lead to a 44-21 halftime advantage. Second-chance points from Bershers and
Lamarah Cleaves bolstered the Owls' lead, as did fast-break scores from Flowers and Jenkins.
KSU headed to the locker room shooting 38% from the field to Shorter's 28% with 16 points off of 11 forced turnovers.
Second Half
The Owls continued to feast on takeaways, starting the third quarter with Flowers and
Riley Talbert trading assists and scores in the fast break. Two scores from Jenkins in three possessions helped KSU end the quarter with an 8-1 run and take a 60-31 lead into the fourth.
The Owls built their lead to a game-high 33 points late in the fourth quarter. Driving scores from
Cameron Wade, Nichols and
Kayla Sullivan kept the momentum flowing KSU's way, as did paint touches and scores from Bershers and
Emaya Lewis.
Game Notes
- The Owls finished the game shooting 40% from the field while holding the Hawks to 27%.
- KSU forced 20 turnovers and capitalized to the tune of 24 points.
- The Owls outrebounded Shorter 52-35, including 16-6 on the offensive glass.
- KSU also held heavy advantages in bench points (30-5), paint scoring (52-18) and fast-break points (24-8).
Head Coach Tianni Kelly Postgame
On her team's performance versus Shorter
"I think we did a really good job of executing some of our goals and keys. We definitely wanted to pressure them and create some extra possessions, and we did a great job there. I'm really proud of our defensive effort. I'm proud of our 24 fast break points. That was another key: getting out and running and pushing in transition. We did a great job of that. I'm really proud of the way we executed. Obviously, there's a lot of things that we've got to work on and sharpen up and get better at before Wednesday and then definitely before Saturday. But overall, I'm super proud of this group and proud of the way that they came out and played."
On recording her first win as KSU head coach
"All glory to God. I definitely couldn't be here without Him and without Him guiding us and leading us. It's been a long time coming, from taking the job until now. It was a blessing to come out and get that first win in front of the fans and showcase and give them a glimpse of how it's going to be as the years go on. I'm super excited about it."
On Kaelyn Flowers' performance
"She's not even scratched the surface of her potential. Her ceiling is so high. Her confidence is continuing to grow. She's a student of the game; she's learning and she's intentional and works really hard. This is just a glimpse of the fruit of her labor. And she's only going to continue to get better from here."
Junior Guard Kaelyn Flowers Postgame
On what led to her success versus Shorter
"I would just say just being able to get extra work with Coach Kelly the past couple of days and just getting shots in and just building that confidence before I even get to the game. And then ultimately, just my teammates as well. They were in the right spots, made the right reads, and just had a good game overall throughout the whole team."
Next Time Out
The Owls are back in action versus Clayton State at VyStar Arena on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. EST. Watch KSU face the Lakers on
ESPN+ or cheer the team on from the stands by
purchasing season or single-game tickets.
Wednesday's game includes exclusive ticket deals for Cub, Girl Scouts and other youth groups.
Gallery: (11-2-2026) WBB vs. Shorter
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax-deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
