UNA WOMEN DOWN KENNESAW STATE 71-54

Box Score FLORENCE – Four players reached double figures as the University of North Alabama women's basketball team knocked off Kennesaw State 71-54 Monday evening at Flowers Hall. With the win, UNA improves to 18-8 on the season and clinches a home game in the first round of the upcoming ASUN Conference tournament. The Lions, who can finish no lower than fourth in the conference standings, remained tied for second place in the league with a 9-5 ASUN record.

Against Kennesaw State, UNA took a 37-29 lead into the half before breaking the game open with a big third quarter. After being held scoreless in the opening two periods, Ivy Wallen scored 11 points in the frame as the Lions extended their lead.

UNA led 47-39 at the 4:45 mark before closing the quarter on a 16-0 run. Five different players scored during the spurt. A basket by Jaida Bond made the score 59-39 with 1:27 remaining and the Lions added four more points in the final minute of play.

After Emma Wallen connected on a basket and free throw to complete a three-point play, Kenysha Coulson grabbed a defensive rebound and found Ivy Wallen, who drew a foul with just over a second left. She hit 1-of-2 free throws to put North Alabama ahead 63-39 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Owls never threatened in the final period. UNA led by as many as 26 point in the opening minutes of the quarter. KSU would get no closer than 17 down the stretch.

Coulson had 14 points and six rebounds to lead the Lions. Ivy Wallen finished with 13 points and six assists. Bond had 12 points while Olivia Noah rounded out the top scorers for UNA with 11 points.

Alexis Poole led Kennesaw State (12-14 overall, 5-9 ASUN) with a game-high 24 points.

UNA will play at ASUN-leading FGCU on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 2:20 p.m. (CST) at Alico Arena on the FGCU campus in Fort Myers, Fla.

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Players Mentioned

#24 Kenysha Coulson: G; 5' 10"; Senior

#1 Emma Wallen: G; 5' 7"; Senior

#3 Ivy Wallen: G; 5' 7"; Senior

#5 Jaida Bond: G; 5' 8"; Freshman

#14 Olivia Noah: F; 6' 1"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#24 Kenysha Coulson
: 5' 10"; Senior
: G

#1 Emma Wallen
: 5' 7"; Senior
: G

#3 Ivy Wallen
: 5' 7"; Senior
: G

#5 Jaida Bond
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: G

#14 Olivia Noah
: 6' 1"; Junior
: F