Photo by: Jackson Louneoubonh
Following split results on its road trip, women’s basketball returned to VyStar Arena on Thursday to take on Sam Houston State, dropping a close game 72-66.
“We fought hard towards the end,” coach Octavia Blue said. “I wish we would have had that effort throughout the course of the game.”
Kennesaw State came out sluggish in the opening period, committing six turnovers in the first five minutes of action and giving the Bearkats an 11-4 lead at the timeout.
The Owls went on an 11-6 run for the remainder of the period and cut the SHSU lead to 17-15 after one quarter.
The teams matched each other step for step in the second quarter, and the Bearkats took a slim 32-28 lead to the locker room. Keyarah Berryled the way for KSU in the half with 10 points.
The game remained tight in the third until the Owls got into foul trouble, committing nine total fouls in the quarter and helping Sam Houston grab a 55-45 lead heading into the final frame.
“Yeah, it’s challenging [to overcome foul trouble],” Blue said. “We had to play Trynce Taylorat the three spot a little bit tonight because of the fouls and short rotations, but yeah, it definitely does make it difficult when you have foul trouble, and you have an unorthodox lineup on the floor.”
KSU spent the fourth quarter trying to claw its way back into the game and nearly succeeded, bringing the game within two points with under a minute to go after a 12-3 run.
The Bearkats’ swarming defense was a major factor throughout, grabbing 13 steals on the night and forcing the Owls to commit 22 turnovers.
“Yeah, that’s what they do,” Blue said. “I mean, they average 20+ forced turnovers a game and we prepped it this week, we talked about it. But when you get out in live action, you feel that heat.”
Berry, who was recognized pregame for her milestone of 1,000 career points, finished the night with 23 points, KSU’s leading scorer. Berry is now averaging 14.4 points per game in her final campaign as an Owl.
“I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Keyarah Berry,” Blue said. “She was my first ever signee here at Kennesaw State. She’s been a huge part of laying that foundation of what a Kennesaw State player looks like, and I just feel very privileged to be able to be a part of her life and help her through the meaningful years of her life.”
TaTianna Stovall finished with a double-double, putting up 11 points and 11 rebounds and was the only Owl besides Berry to hit double figures.
KSU now falls to 5-9 in conference play and 12-13 overall, its first time with a losing record this season.
The Owls will play their final game at home when Louisiana Tech comes to town on Saturday at 2 p.m.
