By Tyler Duke, Staff Writer
Jamail Jones’ layup with 32 seconds left was the last basket of the night for Florida Gulf Coast, and it was all they needed to secure a comeback victory over the Kennesaw State Owls Thursday, 54-53.
Despite a first half performance that saw the Owls (9-19, 3-8) lead by as many as 11 points, the Eagles (20-7, 10-1) edged their way back after halftime to sweep the season series.
Nigel Pruitt forced an errant pass with KSU leading 53-52 and 34 seconds left on the clock. Bernard Thompson picked it off and dished it to Jones for the layup that would go on to seal the fate for the Owls.
KSU had a chance to counter the go-ahead basket when they inbounded the ball with 30 seconds left looking for a go-ahead score of their own. However, after dribbling around and looking for openings for close to 20 seconds, Orlando Coleman missed a jumper from the top of the key with nine seconds left. FGCU grabbed the rebound and fouled Jones, who then missed his first free throw. KSU had one more chance from the opposite baseline with less than two seconds left but failed to get off a shot.
“We had a great look from a guy we have a lot of confidence in,” KSU head coach Jimmy Lallathin said. “If we were to replay the game again, we’d take the same shot, and I have confidence in our guys to make those shots.”
It was the second time this season that the Owls gave the Atlantic Sun leaders all they could handle. Last month, FGCU pulled away in the final minutes to win 64-58 in a contest that KSU also led late into the second half.
“I think the guys get up for a team that’s got the target on their back,” Lallathin said. “I loved our demeanor. Now we’ve just got to carry it throughout the rest of the season, and I think we’re more than capable of doing that. I have a lot of confidence in these guys, but there’s no moral victory. Now it’s time to go move on to the next one and split this road trip.”
The first half of the game showcased an Owls team that looked as impressive as they have all season. Yonel Brown and Pruitt combined to make seven three-pointers as KSU jumped out to a 31-23 lead at halftime. That lethal outside shooting assisted KSU’s 15-0 run that put them in front 26-15 after trailing by four.
Even though the Owls traveled to Alico Arena where the Eagles have lost only once all season, KSU showed an intensity and confidence that was unmatched throughout most of the game in Fort Myers.
“For the first time in a while, we played like we practice,” said Lallathin. “This team is continuing to work on believing that they should be right there at the top with Florida Gulf Coast. I believe it; the coaches believe it, and I think they believe it sometimes. Now it’s just a matter of them believing it all the time.”
Nigel Pruitt led the team with 19 points, 4-for-5 from the 3-point line and nine rebounds. Pruitt was the integral part of the first half surge with his efficient shooting from the outside that led to his 14 points in the period.
“Nigel was really good,” said Lallathin. “He’s the X-Factor. I’ve always said that. He’s a talented player, and we’re excited that he’s on our team.”
The Owls will be back in action on Saturday as they head upstate to take on the Stetson Hatters (8-19, 2-10) for the second time this season. KSU beat Stetson 88-82 in January at home.
“Everything we talked about going into the season is still sitting there in front of us – an opportunity to go to the tournament, an opportunity to make an impact in this league,” said Lallathin. “We just need to continue to take steps in the direction that we’re going.”
