GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Kennesaw State Owls inaugural appearance in the NCAA Tournament was thwarted after the Xavier Musketeers defeated the Owls 72-67 in a nail biter.

Guard Chris Youngblood fouled out in the waning seconds of the game after scoring 14 points.

The Owls led by as much as 13 with more than 10 minutes remaining, but 14-0 run and a near 6 minute scoring drought allowed the Musketeers to chip away at the lead after timely shots and miscues by the Owls.

KSU went (26-8, 15-3 in conference) secured a berth by winning the Atlantic Sun by defeating Liberty in the conference title game.

The program in its first season went 1-28 under KSU coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, 5-19 in his second season and 13-18 in his third season.

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