Kennesaw State’s late rally comes up short in 62-57 women’s road loss at Sam Houston
Sam Houston protects a fourth-quarter lead as Kennesaw State closes late but cannot reclaim advantage
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Kennesaw State’s women’s basketball team cut a 15-point deficit to one possession in the closing minutes Saturday, but Sam Houston held on for a 62-57 Conference USA win at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum on Jan. 31, 2026.
The result left Sam Houston at 13-6 overall and 6-2 in conference play, while Kennesaw State moved to 10-10 overall and 3-6 in CUSA.
How the game turned: third-quarter separation, fourth-quarter chase
The game was defined by a sharp swing between the final minutes of the third quarter and the final minutes of the fourth. After a low-scoring, turnover-heavy opening half, Sam Houston produced a decisive burst late in the third quarter. The Bearkats closed the period on a 10-0 run to stretch the margin to 51-36 entering the fourth.
Kennesaw State responded with its best quarter of the afternoon, outscoring Sam Houston 21-11 over the final 10 minutes. The Owls pulled within 55-50 during the rally, then trimmed the deficit to 55-52 with 4:32 remaining. With 1:20 left, Kennesaw State was within two at 56-54, but could not convert late possessions into a lead change.
Efficiency vs. volume: why the numbers mattered
Kennesaw State shot more efficiently overall, finishing at 42% from the field while holding Sam Houston to 29%. The Owls also forced 19 turnovers and recorded 13 steals. However, the advantages in shooting and defensive pressure were offset by two areas that consistently tilted possessions toward the home team.
Turnovers: Kennesaw State committed 25 turnovers, which Sam Houston converted into 23 points.
Rebounding: Sam Houston won the rebounding battle 43-30, including a 19-7 edge on the offensive glass.
The combination of extra Bearkat possessions through offensive rebounds and Kennesaw State giveaways proved difficult to overcome even as Sam Houston went scoreless from the field over the final six minutes.
Key performers
Forward Latazia Williamson led Kennesaw State with 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting and added five blocks. Guard Trynce Taylor scored 11 points, all after halftime, after dealing with first-half foul trouble. Keyarah Berry finished with 10 points and moved into eighth place on Kennesaw State’s Division I-era career scoring list (since 2005) with 972 points.
Kennesaw State’s comeback put the game within one possession late, but missed shots and turnovers on key trips prevented the Owls from retaking the lead.
What’s next
Kennesaw State is scheduled to return home for a pair of conference games Feb. 5 against Delaware and Feb. 7 against Liberty. The teams are also set to meet again Feb. 19 in Kennesaw.