KENNESAW, Ga. (Interstat) — Destyne Jackson’s 3-pointer with six seconds remaining lifted Florida Atlantic to a 69-68 victory over Kennesaw State in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday night at the KSU Convocation Center.

In a contest between two teams nicknamed the Owls, Florida Atlantic (2-0) survived a frantic final minute and a game-high 25 points from Kennesaw State’s Keyarah Berry to escape with the win. The decisive play was set up by a missed free throw, with Michiyah Simmons collecting the offensive rebound and finding Jackson for the open look from beyond the arc.

Kennesaw State (1-1), which was projected as a significant favorite by advanced metrics, had a chance to win in the final seconds, but a last-second shot attempt was off the mark.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths. Florida Atlantic’s efficiency from the perimeter proved critical, as they shot 50% from 3-point range, making 8 of 16 attempts. Kennesaw State, by contrast, managed just one 3-pointer on six tries. However, the home team dominated inside, outscoring Florida Atlantic 44-26 in the paint and grabbing 10 offensive rebounds to Florida Atlantic’s three.

The game was also decided in large part at the free-throw line, though neither team shot well. Florida Atlantic went 17 for 30 from the stripe, while Kennesaw State was even less effective, making just 15 of its 31 free-throw attempts.

Berry, a guard from Rockmart, Georgia, was the standout performer for Kennesaw State, adding a rebound and an assist in 24 minutes of action. TaTianna Stovall provided a strong interior presence with nine rebounds.

For Florida Atlantic, the scoring was more balanced. Jackson finished with 13 points and three rebounds. She was supported by Michiyah Simmons, who had 12 points, three rebounds, and five assists, and Jess Moors, who added 11 points.

Florida Atlantic built an early lead, taking a 37-31 advantage into halftime after a strong first half. They extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring Kennesaw State 24-21 to carry a nine-point lead into the final period. The offense stalled in the fourth, managing only eight points, which allowed Kennesaw State to mount a comeback that ultimately fell just short.

The announced attendance was 567.

Florida Atlantic next travels to face Miami (Fla.) on Thursday. Kennesaw State will look to rebound on the road at East Tennessee State on Wednesday.