KENNESAW, Ga. — A career-best performance from
Madyson Elliott, along with strong second and third quarters, powered Kennesaw State women's basketball to a 75-37 win over Clayton State on Wednesday night at VyStar Arena.
Elliott turned in a career-high 15 points on 7-of-11 from the field to go along with six rebounds, two assists and a steal. Six of Elliott's 15 points came in the second quarter as she helped the Owls shrug off a slow start and break the game open from an 18-11 lead at first period's end to an 18-point advantage at the break.
KSU went on to outscore the Lakers a combined 41-17 in the second and third quarters, on its way to cruising down the stretch to the 38-point victory.
Tracey Bershers logged her second double-figure outing in as many games with 13 points on 6-of-7 from the floor, four rebounds and five assists.
Kaelyn Flowers gave the Owls a third player in double figures, with 11 points, four boards, three assists and four steals.
Shania Nichols notched a career-high eight rebounds with nine points and three assists in her first start of the season.
Emaya Lewis emerged from the bench with a career-high nine points and four rebounds.
Riley Talbert filled up the stat sheet with eight points, six rebounds and a career-high six assists.
First Half
Bershers and
Arissa Jenkins sparked the Owl offense early with a pair of drained jumpers. Lewis muscled through the paint to score, and Flowers drew a charge on the ensuing defensive possession to build KSU's momentum heading into the second quarter.
Nichols knocked down buckets on back-to-back possessions, and Flowers nailed a pull-up 3-pointer to give the Owls their first double-digit lead of the game early in the second.
Elliott's play proved instrumental in KSU's 41-23 halftime advantage. The sophomore guard scored twice through contact and a third in transition off a Nichols steal to push the Owls further ahead on their way to the locker room.
Second Half
Elliott picked up where she left off to begin the third quarter, knocking down a mid-range jumper, then feeding Bershers inside to push the KSU lead to 46-23.
A fadeaway score from Lewis and a triple from Elliott helped cushion the Owls' lead to 59-28 into the fourth.
KSU cruised to a 38-point win the rest of the way, but not without some thrilling late-game plays. Nichols widened the lead with a corner triple courtesy of Talbert. Moments later, KSU brought the fans back to their feet with Bershers saving an errant shot inbounds for
Kayla Sullivan to collect and score at the rim.
Game Notes
- The Owls outshot the Lakers 48-36% from the field.
- KSU scored 27 points on 28 Clayton State turnovers while allowing just seven points on 17 giveaways.
- The Owls outrebounded the Lakers 41-24, including 13-3 on the offensive glass.
- KSU recorded advantages in bench (32-10) and paint scoring (34-20) while assisting on 21 of 29 made field goals to Clayton State's four on 14.
- Wednesday's win marked the first time the Owls have held an opponent under 40 points since an 85-36 win over Shorter on Nov. 4, 2025.
Head Coach Tianni Kelly Postgame
On her team's performance versus Clayton State
"I'm just super proud of the way that we came out, especially on one-day prep with back-to-back games. I'm proud of the effort that our team put into it, and that we were able to execute the game plan as well as we did – it was phenomenal."
On Madyson Elliott's play
"Mady was huge on all fronts. She came off the bench and provided a spark for us when we needed it. She was aware at all times, defensively, and made big plays when the clock was running out. She did a phenomenal job."
On Emaya Lewis's play
"Emaya is growing quite a bit, especially in the confidence area. I can think of three offensive rebounds in key moments where she went and got it, and that's something we've been asking her to do more of. The more she continues to buy-in, the better she's going to be."
Sophomore Guard Madyson Elliott
On what led to her performance versus Clayton State
"Having high energy is a big standard for us. I come in every day with energy and just follow our principles, and do that with my teammates."
Junior Guard Riley Talbert
On her career-high six assists
"I love making reads for other people, and I feel like that was something I lacked on Monday, so I was glad to spread the ball today. It's just about finding open teammates and playing good team basketball."
Next Time Out
KSU takes its show on the road for the first time this season in a matchup with FAU on Nov. 7 in Boca Raton, Florida. Watch the battle of the Owls on
ESPN+ at 2 p.m. EST on Saturday.
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.
