Bulldogs fall to Owls to close out year

Box Score

Kennesaw, GA-The Maroon & White women's basketball team fell to 2-8 on the year after an 83-79 loss to the Kennesaw State University Owls.

The Bulldogs started the game off with high energy and scored the first basket. Despite opening the scoring, A&M fell behind early due to Owls lights out shooting from behind the arc. At the first media timeout, the Bulldogs trailed 11-4.

Out of the break, the Maroon & White quickly closed the Owl lead with a 9-3 run to come within one point at 14-13. A swarming Bulldog defense that forced eight Owl turnovers and the dominating inside game of Jasmine Sanders was not enough to garner a first half lead to the visiting team. A&M went into the break trailing by just one point at 38-37.

Sanders lead the way offensively scoring a game leading 15 first half points on 5-8 from the field and 5-5 from the line. She got help from the Strickland sisters Alyssa (12, 4-6) and Brittany (8, 3-5) who combined for 20 points on 7-11 shooting (6-10 from distance).

Defensively the Bulldogs grabbed seven steals and forced nine Owl turnovers giving way to eight Bulldog points.

The second half saw Sanders pick up right where she left off, and saw Brittany Strickland quickly double her offensive output, as she scored eight of the ten Bulldog points prior to the first timeout of the half giving A&M an 51-48 lead.

With just 10 minutes left, an ill-timed Bulldog turnover lead to consecutive made baskets from the home squad, and A&M losing their hard-earned lead (60-57). A called timeout allowed the visitors to regroup and regain the lead at 61-60.

For the next six minutes, both programs would trade baskets and exchange the lead. At the 4:05 mark, KSU called a timeout leading 71-69 upon actions return, A&M would tie the game again at 74-74 with 2:21 left. An Alganese Gatson made free throw followed by a Taylor Sippial made basket gave the Bulldogs a three-point lead at 77-74.

KSU then called another timeout to cut the Maroon & White momentum. Out of the huddle KSU again tied the game on a Bria Young made three. With just 27.1 left in the game, the home team would gain a two-point lead at 79-77 forcing an A&M time out.

The Bulldogs stopped action to draw up a play. Out of the break another ill-timed turnover looked like it would doom the Maroon & White, however on the ensuing possession; B. Strickland earned her way to the charity strip for a chance to tie the game.

After missing the first, Strickland intentionally missed the second in hopes of getting a second chance at leveling the score. She didn't but despite a great effort, the Bulldogs would fall 83-79 to the home Owls.

AAMU, who were perfect from the line for majority of the game, had three very valuable missed free throws late in the action. These missed opportunities along with late turnovers proved too much to overcome.

Alabama A&M was led by Jasmine Sanders fourth double double this season. Sanders finished with 27 points a season high and 12 rebounds in the defeat. The Strickland twins also tallied double figure points finishing with 20 (Brittany) and 16 (Alyssa) on the day.

A&M will return to the hardwood when the begin SWAC action on January 4, versus the Tigers of Jackson State University.

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