Jan. 19, 2008

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Kennesaw State will look to win its second conference game as they battle Atlantic Sun Conference newcomer, Florida Gulf Coast, on Saturday night at Alico Arena.

The Owls are concluding the first of two Florida road trips this season as they welcome the Eagles to the A-Sun. Florida Gulf Coast and USC Upstate are two of the newest members of the A-Sun, joining Kennesaw State and North Florida, both of whom joined the league in 2005.

KSU and FGCU each has one conference win this season with both teams defeating North Florida. Saturday's game also presents the opportunity for both teams to snap losing skids. The Owls are fresh off a loss at Stetson while Florida Gulf Coast is trying to break their three-game losing streak.

Kennesaw State has been playing stellar defense of late and held Stetson to just 26 points in the first half, the lowest total for a KSU opponent his season. Credit on defense can go in part to Jonathan Whipple. The Owls sophomore has been strong on the perimeter as well as being a force inside.

The Black and Gold have enjoyed the rapid development of center John Allison. After red shirting last season, the Owls seven-footer has made two consecutive starts and is averaging five points, four rebounds and two blocks.

Florida Gulf Coast had a strong Division II reputation and is currently enjoying a solid first season as a Division I program. In addition to their win over UNF, the Eagles have enjoyed victories over Bethune Cookman, Penn (who they held to a then-NCAA record six points in the first of a 60-30 win), Florida International and Maryland Eastern Shore.

Both the OWls and the Eagles possess a solid scorer. Casey Wohlleb (15.5 ppg) leads FGCU, topping the Eagles in scoring eight times this season. The Owls are led by one of the league's most dynamic players in Ronell Wooten. The Owls leading scorer is averaging 15.8 points and is coming off a 21-point night against Stetson in which he set a career-high with 14 free-throws.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. and the game can be heard live on SuperTalk 1230/1340. The game can also be viewed live on the web on ASun.TV.com.