KENNESAW, Ga. — Kennesaw State’s women’s basketball team is eager to break a three-game losing streak. They face UTEP on January 22 at 7 p.m. EST. This matchup is important as both teams are seeking their second victories in Conference USA play.
Currently, KSU sits tied for ninth place in the league, while UTEP is in eleventh. Interestingly, both teams were predicted to finish tied for eighth in the preseason poll, adding pressure to perform.
In their last game, KSU suffered a heavy 74-47 defeat against Jacksonville State. The Owls struggled offensively, shooting only 34% from the field compared to Jacksonville State’s 48%. This game marked a departure from their usual strong performance. However, KSU has a chance to bounce back, as they will play four of their next six games at home, which often offers a boost in morale.
Despite the recent setbacks, KSU remains a competitive force in some key stats. They hold the top spot in the conference for field goal percentage (44.3%) and three-point shooting (35.8%). They also excel at limiting opponent rebounds, allowing just 31.9 per game, ranking second in the league. Their ability to block shots is notable, averaging 3.94 blocks per game, and they are strong defensively, limiting opponents to 61.3 points per game.
KSU’s challenges have come in starting strong and finishing games. They have faced difficulties in the first and fourth quarters, with a combined deficit of -28 in those periods this season. This pattern has emerged in their latest losses, including tight games against Missouri State and FIU. On a brighter note, the Owls excelled in the second and third quarters, often scoring over 28 points and flipping games in their favor.
Key player Keyarah Berry saw a dip in performance against Jacksonville State, contributing only four points. Usually, she is a strong offensive player, averaging 14.1 points and ranking among the top 10 in the league. Berry also recently became KSU’s eighth all-time leading scorer in their Division I era, with 338 career field goals.
Another standout is freshman TaTianna Stovall, known for her defensive skills. She’s tied for second in the conference with 1.4 blocks per game and has been particularly effective, with multiple games featuring five or more blocks. Her contributions are not just defensive; she’s shaping into a vital player for the team.
Junior point guard Kailyn Fields also plays a crucial role, boasting an average of 4.1 assists per game, tying her for third in the conference. Her playmaking ability could be essential for KSU in the upcoming match.
In their limited history, KSU has dominated UTEP, leading the series 3-0. Last season, KSU achieved impressive victories, including a notable 84-70 home win. Berry shined in those encounters, hitting an average of 16 points per game across the three encounters.
UTEP, under 19-year head coach Keitha Adams, faces its own struggles this season. The Miners opened with a win but have lost five straight games, the most recent being a 67-59 loss to FIU. Key players for UTEP are guard Ivane Tensaie, averaging 11 points, and forward Ndack Mbengue, contributing 10 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
This matchup is not just about strategy; it’s also an emotional battle. Both teams need this win to regain momentum. As KSU steps onto their home court, fans will be eager to see if they can flip the script and bring home a much-needed victory.
