Box Score
KENNESAW, Ga. – Markeith Cummings scored 11 first half points, including a pair of monster dunks and finished with a game-high 21 points as the Owls took a 10-point halftime lead and cruised to a, 96-61, win over Fort Valley State on Tuesday night at the KSU Convocation Center.
The Owls (1-0) enjoyed a solid night shooting in front of the largest-ever preseason crowd in Kennesaw State history. More than one thousand fans saw the Black and Gold connect on 53 percent of their shots en route to their second largest preseason win as the Owls won their seventh straight exhibition game at the Convocation Center.
“It was a good all-around effort tonight,” said Kennesaw State head coach Tony Ingle. “We have a lot of things to work on, but so do they. Tonight, I was looking for effort and we got that. You don’t do what we did in this game tonight without effort.”
Kennesaw State had four players score in double-figures in their highest-ever scoring preseason game. Kurtis Woods scored 16 points while Kelvin McConnell added 14 and Cortez Irby delivered 10 points in his Kennesaw State debut.
Cummings delivered a solid performance, including a thundering first half, which included a pair of dunks, strong three-point shooting and solid defense. The redshirt freshman was 9-for-10 from the field including a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range.
“I’m happy to be back on the court and help the team,” said Cummings. “I played a pretty good game and felt good thanks to all the work of my teammates and coaches who really helped last year and this summer.”
Fellow redshirt freshman LaDaris Green enjoyed a strong night in his Kennesaw State debut as he scored eight points, grabbed six rebounds, had five assists, three blocks and two steals in 22 minutes.
“LaDaris met my expectations tonight,” added Ingle. “He played a solid all-around game. I love his passing, his outlets and he rebounded well.”
Junior guard Kelvin McConnell sparked the Black and Gold with eight consecutive points over a two-minute span early in the game as the Owls overcame a, 9-5, deficit. McConnell, who finished a perfect 4-for-4 on three-pointers, gave the Owls a 13-9 advantage with just under 13 minutes left in the first half.
“Kelvin got us going early with a couple of three-pointers,” commented Ingle on his long-range threat. “Kelvin has got the green light whenever he wants it.
The Black and Gold did an excellent job controlling the ball as they finished the night with just nine turnovers, one in the second half.
“One turnover in the second half is pretty remarkable,” added Ingle. ‘We did a good job of taking care of the ball, but we still have to work on a few things.”
The Owls open up the regular season on Friday evening, Nov. 13 when they host the crusaders of North Greenville at the KSU Convocation Center at 7:30 p.m.