MACON, Ga. – The Mercer women’s basketball team is set to renew its in-state rivalry with Kennesaw State, welcoming the Owls for a 5 p.m. tip at the University Center on Thursday.

Mercer looks to end a 12-game conference losing streak and keep its playoff hopes alive after falling at the hands of Campbell in a 77-64 decision on Feb. 5.  In that game, freshman Briana Williams topped the 30-point mark for the third time this season, torching the Camels for 35 points on 13-of-26 shooting.

SCOUTING KENNESAW STATE

Kennesaw State travels to Macon on the heels of a 71-60 win over Campbell on February 7. The Owls currently hold a 7-14 (4-9 A-Sun) record and are 4-2 in their last six conference games.

Fifteen days ago, Kennesaw State handed Mercer a 79-56 loss at the KSU Convocation Center. In that game, Kennesaw State sophomore guard Ashley Holiday led all scorers with 29 points on 9-of-19 shooting from three point range.

Kennesaw State was picked to finish eighth among A-Sun competition in a preseason poll of the league’s coaches. This season, the Owls’ roster features no seniors, but three starters are back from last year’s team that finished 11-19 (8-12 A-Sun).

GAME NOTES

In the most recent NCAA statistical report (Feb. 6), freshman Sharnea Boykin ranked 12th in the country in assists per game (6.0). Boykin has racked up 132 assists this season, ranking 10th among the program’s single-season assist leaders.

In Mercer’s last outing, sophomore Sharmesia Smith pulled down 11 rebounds. The game marked the eighth time this year Smith has grabbed 10 or more rebounds. Smith is one of six A-Sun players with 8 or more 10+ rebound efforts.

Mercer and Kennesaw have met 11 times in women’s basketball, and the Owls hold a 7-4 advantage in the series. Last season, the teams split two regular season meetings, each claiming a victory at home.