Kennesaw State forward Tanner Jacobs set an Atlantic Sun Conference record with 14 offensive rebounds Saturday night in KSU's 77-75 loss in overtime to Mercer in the Atlantic Sun opener. He finished the game with 18 boards.

The 6-foot-7 freshman forward from Louisville, Ky., has started in eight of 14 games for the Owls (2-12, 0-1) this season and is averaging 8.5 points and 5.7 rebounds per game going into tonight's game against Jacksonville. He scored 17 against the Bears.

Based on his numbers, Jacobs is exactly the post player the Owls were looking for.

"Well, we needed someone desperately to fill that position, and by the grace of God, we were able to get Tanner," KSU coach Tony Ingle said. "Tanner averaged 15 rebounds in high school and in one game he had 30. He's a tough kid."

McConnell may be the answer: The Owls started four different point guards prior to conference play in an attempt to replace Golden Ingle, who graduated last season.

Former Whitefield Academy star Kelvin McConnell has showed he is the most comfortable in that role and Ingle said he's earned it. In his last two starts, the true freshman scored 33 points - 19 against Nicholls State and 14 against Mercer. He will make his third straight start against Jacksonville.

Nickerson out with ankle injury: Sophomore forward Jon-Michael Nickerson, who averages 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds a game, rolled his ankle against Mercer and will not play against Jacksonville. Former Lassiter standout J.D. Pollock, who helped McConnell run the floor at point, will start in his place, Ingle said.

Stegall back in comfort zone: Senior forward Shuan Stegall went back to familiar surroundings Saturday after contributing at point guard for the first part of the season. Based on his numbers against Mercer, he's where he ought to be.

Stegall posted a double-double against the Bears with 22 points and 17 rebounds. He was at his best in the second half with 18 points. He hit a second chance shot, followed by a 3-pointer to give the Owls a lead with 10:49 left to play in regulation, and it held until the final minute.

Gurley finding her rhythm: After going into a mild slump, junior guard Nikki Gurley came off the bench for the Lady Owls and hit four of seven shots from long range to finish with 12 points in KSU's 68-52 victory over Mercer on Saturday. KSU coach Colby Tilley said her 3-pointers in the first half was an early turning point.

Comment on this Story

Type your comment here...comments are reviewed before they are posted, and therefore they do not post immediately.

Please enter the validation words. If you cannot read them, you may obtain a fresh set of words by hitting the button.