RICHMOND, Ky. – Behind a historic 19-point scoring performance from Antwainette Walker, who became the 26th player in program history to eclipse 1,000 career points, EKU outlasts Kennesaw State, 69-66, on Friday night inside Baptist Health Arena.
 
With the win, EKU (18-7, 7-4 ASUN) secures back-to-back 18-win seasons for the first time since 2001-03.  The Colonels have five more Atlantic Sun Conference games remaining and one non-conference duel left on the docket.
 
Walker joins teammate Alice Recanati who both secured 1,000 career points in this 2023-24 season.  She's reached the mark in just 50 games over two seasons in Richmond.
 
Walker led EKU on Saturday night with 19 points, highlighted by a 3-of-5 showing from deep.  Ivy Turner was next with 11 points shooting 50 percent from the floor while forward Jasmine McGinnis-Taylor neared a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds.
 
Turner helped jump the EKU offense early in Saturday's game, scoring five points in the first seven minutes to bring the Colonels to a 11-11 standoff with the Owls.  EKU's Sierra McCullough scored a layup on consecutive possessions to give the home team a 17-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
A made three-pointer from Recanati gave EKU a 29-27 lead over the Owls, however, KSU scored on its next three possessions to take a 35-24 lead into the break.
 
Walker, who had injured in the first half, connected on a three to open the second half for EKU, giving the Colonels a 37-35 lead.  The back-and-forth scoring affair continued to the media timeout until EKU scored on three straight possessions for a 45-39 advantage.  
 
With three minutes left in the third quarter, Walker was fouled twice, resulting in four free throws where she recorded her 1,000th point in a Colonel uniform.  EKU took a five-point lead into the fourth quarter.
 
Turner gave EKU its largest lead of seven, 65-58, in the second half off a made layup, but KSU fought back to take a one-point, 66-65 lead with just 2:06 left on the clock.  EKU's Kaitlyn Costner hit two free throws, while forcing a crucial jump ball turnover for the Owls, ending Saturday's game with a 69-66 win.
 
EKU ended the night out-shooting Kennesaw 45.6 percent from the floor, 35.7 percent from deep, and 80 percent from the free throw line.  The Colonels also claimed the advantage in rebounds (37-32), their sixth game out-rebounding a conference opponent this season.
 
The Colonels end their home stand with two wins and will hit the road for the next three, starting with North Alabama on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. EST. inside Flowers Hall.