Kennesaw State women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 69-63 victory over Georgia State on Sunday afternoon at the GSU Convocation Center in Atlanta. Led by strong showings from Trynce Taylor and Shania Nichols, the Owls held off a late comeback to improve their record to 6-3, marking their best start in nearly a decade.
Thrilling First Half Action
The game started with Georgia State jumping out to a quick 13-6 lead in the opening minutes. Kennesaw State responded with a 7-0 run, sparked by a steal and score from Kaelyn Flowers, followed by a jumper from Taylor and a three-pointer from Marihya Hart to tie it at 13.
In the second quarter, the Owls found their rhythm and outscored the Panthers 24-14. Nichols drained two threes, and Gabriela Bendeck-Giron added another from beyond the arc. Both players were perfect from the free-throw line, helping Kennesaw State build a 39-31 halftime lead.
Georgia State struggled with rebounding early, as the Owls dominated the boards and turned defensive stops into quick points.
Intense Second Half Comeback Attempt
The Panthers came alive in the third quarter, hitting from long range and capitalizing on Kennesaw State turnovers to close the gap to 52-46. TaTianna Stovall stepped up for the Owls with a key block that led to a fastbreak layup by Nichols.
Stovall grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on the next possession, pushing the lead back to eight. Taylor made crucial plays late, assisting on a basket to Keyarah Berry and then scoring off her own miss to make it 62-56.
Bendeck-Giron drew a charge, and Taylor added a steal to seal the deal. The Owls sank free throws in the final moments to secure the win despite Georgia State’s push.
Standout Player Performances
Trynce Taylor shone with 16 points on efficient 8-of-9 shooting, plus nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals. This marked her fourth double-figure scoring game of the season.
Shania Nichols led all scorers with 19 points, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. She has now scored 18 or more points in three of her four starts this year.
TaTianna Stovall contributed eight points, seven rebounds, and a career-high six blocks, the most by any player in their conference this season.
Gabriela Bendeck-Giron added eight points and five assists, setting a personal best.
Here are some key stats from the top performers:
- Trynce Taylor: 16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
- Shania Nichols: 19 points, 7-7 free throws
- TaTianna Stovall: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 6 blocks
- Gabriela Bendeck-Giron: 8 points, 5 assists
Team Stats and Game Insights
Kennesaw State overcame 20 points allowed off turnovers by dominating in other areas. They outrebounded Georgia State 34-24 and held a 13-6 edge in bench points. The Owls also made 12 free throws compared to the Panthers’ four.
This win gives Kennesaw State back-to-back victories in the rivalry for the first time ever. It also represents the program’s strongest nine-game start since the 2014-15 season under head coach Octavia Blue.
Georgia State, now 4-7, suffered their fourth loss in a row despite a strong effort from Crystal Henderson, who scored 20 points.
| Category | Kennesaw State | Georgia State |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 69 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 14 |
| Free Throws Made | 12 | 4 |
| Bench Points | 13 | 6 |
Coach Blue’s Postgame Thoughts
Head coach Octavia Blue praised Taylor for her complete game, noting her recovery from a full season missed due to injury last year. Blue highlighted Nichols’ versatility in playing multiple positions, including point guard during foul trouble.
On Stovall, Blue commended her timing and strength on defense, which proved vital in the low post. These comments reflect the team’s growing confidence as they build momentum.
What’s Next for the Owls
Kennesaw State heads to Miami for their final non-conference road game on December 21. Tip-off is at noon on the ACC Network, offering a chance to extend their strong start.
This victory comes amid a busy college basketball season, with recent upsets like Mississippi State’s narrow win over Georgia Tech adding to the excitement in women’s hoops. Fans are watching how teams like Kennesaw State stack up against power conference foes.
Share your thoughts on this thrilling matchup in the comments below, and spread the word by sharing this article with fellow basketball fans.
