JACKSONVILLE –
Masengo Mutanda had another career-best outing with 22 points and nine rebounds, but Jacksonville State's women's basketball team suffered a 65-60 loss at home to Kennesaw State on Saturday afternoon.
Jax State (9-9, 2-5) dropped their fourth straight game in Saturday's loss and lost both of this season's meetings with the ASUN rival Owls (9-9, 5-2).
Like Thursday's game at the KSU Convocation Center, Mutanda hit an early three to give the Gamecocks an advantage. Though
Rick Pietri's squad jumped out to a 5-0 lead, Kennesaw State battled back with several contested baskets in a 10-0 scoring spurt and overtook the lead late in the interval. They were on top 19-15 through one, but Jax State responded in the second. Six more points from Mutanda and a 9-0 run of their own saw the Gamecocks come back to retake the lead, 31-29, at the half.
Defensive adjustments led to success for the Owls in the final 20 minutes. Kennesaw State surrendered just eight made field goals to Jacksonville State in the second half. Conversely, KSU dropped 24 points in the third period, building a nine-point cushion through three frames, and continued to produce in the fourth. Although converted free throws and a smothering defense helped Jax State cut it to a three-point difference, the Owls did just enough late to hold on for a 65-60 triumph.
Mutanda's 22 points and nine boards were both game highs. Graduate forward
Kennedy Gavin added 11 points and three rebounds and
Keiara Griffin had nine points in the loss.
Shawnta Shaw returned for the Gamecocks and played 15 minutes, finishing with six points and two assists. Jax State was without senior guard
NeKiyah Thompson for the third straight game.
Jacksonville State will look to end a four-game losing skid with a pair of games at The Pete next week. Central Arkansas will come to town for a Thursday night bout, starting at 5:45 p.m., and the Gamecocks will meet North Alabama at 1:45 p.m. Saturday. Both games will be part of doubleheaders at Pete Mathews Coliseum with men's games following shortly thereafter.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, be sure to follow their Twitter (@JaxStateWBB), Instagram (@JaxStateWBB), and Facebook (Jacksonville State University Women's Basketball) accounts.
