FLORENCE, Ala. -- North Alabama's five-game ASUN Conference win streak came to an end as conference leader Kennesaw State left CB&S Bank Arena with a 79-66 win over the Lions.

It was the Owls' first win over UNA in eight meetings on the Division I level and it was just UNA's second loss in the Lions' last 11 games.

UNA is now 18-12 overall and 10-7 in ASUN play. Kennesaw State improved to 22-8 overall and 14-3 in the ASUN.

Playing without starting point guard K.J. Johnson, who was out with an injury, the Lions held their own and were tied with the Owls at the 5:37 mark of the first half at 30-30. Daniel Ortiz hit three early three-point baskets and Jacari Lane continued to drive to basket for scores as UNA matched KSU basket for basket. Over the last five minutes of the half, however, Kennesa State outscored the Lions 11 to four to hold a 41-34 lead at the half.

In the second half, KSU built as much as a 20-point lead but the Lions continued to make runs.

Ortiz led UNA with 24 points in the game and Lane added 22 as the only Lions in double-figures.

Lane added seven assists for UNA and Dallas Howell led the Lions with eight rebounds.

KSU shot 50.8 percent from the floor to just 37.9 for the Lions. UNA hit just nine of its 25 three-point attempts.

North Alabama will host Jacksonville State on Friday at CB&S Bank Arena at 6:00 p.m. to close the regular season.