By: By Joseph Feldman
Saturday, January 27
2 p.m. – Kennesaw State at USC Upstate
Location: Spartanburg, S.C. | G.B. Hodge Center
Links: Video |
Live Stats |
Game Notes
Social Media: Twitter | Facebook
Preview
Kennesaw State will take on USC Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Saturday, January 27 at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN3.
The two teams will look to grab some momentum during conference play as the second half of the ASUN schedule is approaching. Both teams sit at 1-5 in ASUN play so far.
The All-Time Series Against USC Upstate
In a series that spans all the way back to 1993, the Owls are 15-18 all time against USC Upstate and have had some recent success against the Spartans winning four of the past five meetings.
Last year, the two teams both won on their home courts, but Kennesaw State got the last laugh as they knocked Upstate out on their home floor in the ASUN Tournament quarterfinals.
It was the first victory in the ASUN tournament for Kennesaw State since the 2010 season and only the second victory ever in the tournament.
Scouting USC Upstate
The Spartans are 6-17 overall and tied with the Owls at 1-5 in the ASUN standings. USC Upstate's one conference win came against the second place Jacksonville Dolphins.
USC Upstate has three players that average in double figures and a fourth that averages 9.7 points per game. According to KenPom, the Spartans have a defensive efficiency of 123.9, which ranks 351 in the country.
Kyle Perry is in his first season as the head coach at USC Upstate. Former Kennesaw State assistant Jon Cremins is now an assistant at USC Upstate.
Defense Coming Around
In four of the six ASUN games, Kennesaw State has forced their opponents into 17 turnovers.
That is the second most turnovers that KSU has forced this season.
In the first six ASUN games, the Owls are third in the league averaging 7.3 steals per game.
Masterson Closing in on 1,000
Nick Masterson leads the team averaging 18.3 points per game in ASUN play. With his scoring outburst scoring 20-plus points in three of the six games, he is closing in on 1,000 career points.
The senior guard is currently at 937. If he continues scoring 18.3 points per game then he will eclipse the 1,000 career point mark in four games.
Masterson Shoots at a High Percentage
Against Stetson, 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 52.7 percent of his threes which is good for the fifth best mark in the country.
When you combine his shooting percentage on two-point field goals, three-point field goals and free throws, Masterson has a total shooting percentage of 70.0 percent. That is the fifth best mark in the country.
Clarke Brings Durability
Junior
Kyle Clarke was one of only two players to see action in all 32 games last season.
This year, he has played in 20 of the 21 games.
In fact, over his career he's only missed six games that the Owls have played in.
Scott and Masterson Carry the Offense
James Scott and Masterson have carried the offense through ASUN play. The two are averaging a combined 33.2 points per game.
Masterson is averaging 18.2 and Scott is averaging 15.0 per game.
Against Stetson, the two both caught fire at the same times as they combined for 60 points. Scott scored 32 points in the game and Masterson was right behind him with 28 points.
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