By: By Joseph Feldman
Wednesday, January 24
7 p.m. – Kennesaw State vs NJIT
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. | KSU Convocation Center
Links: Video |
Live Stats |
Game Notes |
Tickets
Social Media: Twitter | Facebook
Preview
Kennesaw State will host its third home ASUN matchup in a row against NJIT on Wednesday, January 24 at 7 p.m.
The Owls swept the matchup last year, but both games were tight contests. In the matchup in the KSU Convocation Center, KSU won 71-65 using a late 9-0 run to take the lead for good.
The Highlanders come into the matchup at 9-11 overall and 2-3 in the ASUN with the Owls sitting at 5-15 and 1-4 overall.
Promotions
For the game on Wednesday night against NJIT, KSU Athletics be giving away "Owl Towels" to the first 500 fans inside the KSU Convocation Center. To go along with the towels, one lucky KSU Student will win an Apple Watch.
Scouting NJIT
After rallying late against Jacksonville, NJIT dropped its game against the Dolphins to fall to 2-3 in the ASUN with both wins coming at home.
NJIT features a balanced attack offensively with five players averaging more than 7.5 ppg: Tarke (14.3 ppg), Wilson (11.1 ppg), Lewis (10.2 ppg), freshman guard Shawndale Jones (7.6 ppg) and freshman guard Zach Cooks (7.6 ppg).
Dating back to last season, the Highlanders have lost 16 straight road games.
Defense Coming Around
Against Jacksonville, North Florida and FGCU, the Owls forced 17 turnovers. That is the second most turnovers that KSU has forced this season in any games and they've done it in three of the five ASUN games they've played.
In the first five ASUN games, the Owls are third in the league averaging 7.2 steals per game.
Masterson Shoots at a High Percentage
Against Stetson,
Nick Masterson found holes in their zone and got hot and went 10-12 from the floor for 28 points. He made 5-6 threes and was a perfect 5-5 in the second half.
Masterson is making 52.8 percent of his threes despite other defenses keying on him in the Owls offense. At home, he's even better as he is 24-40 from behind the arc and making a staggering 60.0 percent.
When you combine his shooting percentage with two-point field goals, three-point field goals and free throws, Masterson has a total shooting percentage of 69.9 percent. That is the 11th best mark in the country.
Wilson Returns from Injury
Last spring,
Anthony Wilson suffered a knee injury and rehabbed his way back to play his first game against Bethune-Cookman this season.
The sophomore is getting stronger and stronger on the court as he had his best game in an Owls uniform against Stetson finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and three blocks.
It was the third time this season that he has scored in double figures.
Offense Heats Up In the New Year
Since the turn of 2018, Kennesaw State's scoring has picked up. The Owls have scored over 90 points in two out of the six games that the team has played in.
The latest came against Stetson, where the team poured in 95 points shooting 57 percent over the floor.
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