University of North Florida
Kennesaw State
Late Rally Propels KSU Past UNF, 63-59
2/20/2010 2:11:59 PM | Women's Basketball
BOX SCORE
KENNESAW, Ga. – A late rally by the Kennesaw State women's basketball team pushed the Owls past the University of North Florida, 63-59, in Atlantic Sun action on Saturday afternoon at the KSU Convocation Center in Kennesaw, Ga.
The Ospreys fall to 9-18 overall and 6-12 in Atlantic Sun play, while KSU improves to 10-17 and 7-11 in league play.
Junior guard Juliemay Syquio tallied 16 points and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Brittany Kirkland also added 16 points while sophomore forward Margaret Bell notched 12 points.
The two teams kept the score close in the opening half with UNF taking the largest lead of the half, up six (19-13) with 7:37 left on the clock. KSU responded with a run, holding the Ospreys scoreless over the next seven minutes as the Owls took a three point (22-19) lead with just over two minutes left in the half. Kirkland connected on a layup with six seconds left in the half to break the UNF drought, but the Owls drove the ball down the court, scoring and taking a three point, 24-21 advantage into the break.
UNF came out strong in the second half, holding the Owls scoreless to start the second half and taking a 30-24 lead just three minutes into the half. The Ospreys held on to the lead and led by nine (35-44) midway through the half. KSU responded with a 10-2 run to close the gap to one, 44-43, with 7:52 remaining. The Ospreys held on to the lead over the next several minutes as the two teams traded baskets, but the Owls took the lead for good, up 54-52 with 3:52 on the clock. UNF would tie the score at 56 with just over two minutes remaining, but the Ospreys could not get over the hump.
North Florida shot 39.7 percent (25-63) from the field, while KSU shot 29.4 percent (20-68). The Ospreys shot 21.4 percent (3-14) from behind the arc and 46.2 percent (6-13) from the free throw line. The Owls shot 20.0 percent (3-15) from 3-point range and 69.0 percent from the line. Gia Lockett led the Owls with 17 points, while Montinique Nixon grabbed 14 rebounds and put up 14 points.
The Ospreys will be back in action on Thursday, Feb. 25, when they host East Tennessee State at 5:30 p.m. UNF will remain at home to host Campbell on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 4:30 p.m. in the final regular season game of the 2009-10 campaign. If you are unable to attend the games, both will be available for viewing at ASun.TV.
