KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — In a game defined by grit over grace, the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters escaped the KSU Convocation Center with a narrow 63-59 victory over the Kennesaw State Owls in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday.

The contest, played before an announced crowd of 835, was a stark contrast to the teams’ meeting just over three weeks prior, a 28-point Lady Techster rout. This time, Kennesaw State’s interior defense and persistence turned the rematch into a 40-minute grind.

Louisiana Tech improved to 21-5 overall, while Kennesaw State fell to 11-14.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the final minute, with Louisiana Tech clinging to a 56-54 lead. After a Kennesaw State turnover, the Lady Techsters’ Alexia Weaver was fouled and sent to the line with 37 seconds remaining. She calmly sank both free throws, pushing the lead to four.

On the ensuing possession, Kennesaw State’s Kaelyn Flowers missed a three-pointer, but Latazia Williamson secured the offensive rebound. Following a timeout, Williamson found Flowers for a clutch three-pointer from the wing, cutting the deficit to 59-57 with just seven seconds on the clock.

The Owls immediately fouled Weaver again. The Louisiana Tech guard, ice in her veins, knocked down both ends of a one-and-one to restore a four-point cushion at 61-57. Kennesaw State’s last-gasp efforts produced only a rushed, off-balance three-point attempt from TaTianna Stovall that missed, and Paris Bradley secured the final rebound for Louisiana Tech as time expired.

The game was a battle of contrasting efficiencies. Kennesaw State dominated the paint, outscoring Louisiana Tech 40-24, and shot a better percentage from the field, connecting on 24 of 55 attempts compared to the Lady Techsters’ 21 of 62. The Owls’ defense, led by Stovall’s four blocks, was a constant deterrent.

However, Louisiana Tech’s defense created more opportunities. They forced 22 Kennesaw State turnovers, converting them into 19 points, while committing 16 turnovers of their own. The Lady Techsters also found a crucial edge from beyond the arc, hitting eight three-pointers to Kennesaw State’s three, and from the free-throw line, where they made 13 of 16 attempts.

Williamson led all scorers for Kennesaw State with 13 points and added eight rebounds. Stovall was a force defensively and just missed a double-double with nine points, nine rebounds, three assists and four blocks. Flowers contributed 12 points, four assists and four steals.

For Louisiana Tech, balance was key. Paris Bradley and Jianna Morris each scored 14 points, with Bradley adding four assists. Morris was pivotal down the stretch, hitting three critical free throws in the final minute. Alexia Weaver, despite a tough shooting afternoon, scored nine points and came up with key steals and free throws in the closing seconds.

The first half set the tone for a back-and-forth affair. Kennesaw State led 18-16 after a first quarter where they attacked the basket relentlessly. Louisiana Tech responded with a 21-point second quarter, fueled by three-point shooting, to take a 37-30 lead into halftime.

The Owls chipped away in the third, winning the quarter 17-10 to tie the game at 47 heading into the final period. The fourth quarter featured five ties and lead changes before Louisiana Tech’s composure at the foul line and a final defensive stand sealed the road victory.

The win extends Louisiana Tech’s winning streak to four games. They next travel to face Sam Houston on Feb. 28. Kennesaw State, which has lost two straight, begins a road swing at New Mexico State on Feb. 26.