Follow KSU Men's Basketball on Social - Twitter | Instagram
KENNESAW, Ga. – It was a record-setting night for Kennesaw State, as the Owls shattered three school records including the most points ever scored in its Division I history in Monday's 117-58 rout of Carver Bible from the Convocation Center.
It was actually a tie score at 10-10 four minutes into the contest. The Owls (2-2) then turned on the scoring and never stopped, as over the final 16 minutes of the opening stanza they outscored Carver by a 50-14 margin. Kasen Jennings' layup at the halftime buzzer made the score 60-24. The 60 first-half points were the most scored by KSU in a half since scoring 63 in the second half in a win over Lipscomb on Jan. 9, 2016.
The second half saw more domination from the Owls, who played all 13 players that dressed out by the middle of the first half, and 12 of the 13 scored. Kenny Burns provided the dunk that initially broke the previous scoring record of 106, set a year ago against Toccoa Falls on Nov. 28, 2020, with 2:58 to play.
Seven Owls finished in double-figures for the game, paced by Kasen Jennings' career-high tying 17. Also setting new career-highs in points were Burns (11), Demetrius Rivers (eight) and Mayson Quartlebaum (six). Armani Harris tied his previous high of 10 and added a career-high 10 rebounds for his first career double-double and the first of the season for the Owls.
STAT OF THE GAME #1: The Owls' final field goal percentage of 62.3% (48-77) set a new school record as well, topping the previous record of 61.5% (40-of-65) set against Reinhardt on Jan. 4, 2016. Carver meanwhile was held to just 33.3% (19-of-60 for the night).
STAT OF THE GAME #2: KSU forced 22 turnovers on the night, leading to a 30-11 advantage on points off turnovers.
ANOTHER SCHOOL RECORD FALLS: The third program record set by the Owls Monday was total field goals, as KSU's 48 total made field goals easily topped the previous high mark of 40, which the Owls had set three times, most recently in the game a season ago against Toccoa Falls.
OWL OF THE GAME: Rodgers not only tied for the team-lead in points, he also added five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and was 4-of-6 from three-point range.
QUOTEABLE: "Really proud of our team tonight, it was a total team effort, being able to play every guy that was dressed out, and we finished with 25 assists, and only turned it over 11 times. I was proud how we came back mentally sharp, having played back-to-back and our fourth game in the last seven days. Our mental focus tonight was on, and we played our brand of basketball." – Head Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim
NOTES-
- Total KSU records set Monday (NCAA Division I) included: Most point (117), Most field goals (48), Field Goal Percentage (62.3%)
- KSU's 48 rebounds was tied for the fifth-most in school history, and the most since 49 on Nov. 30, 2016.
- KSU's 25 assists tied for the third most in school history, while the Owls' 13 steals was tied for the fifth most.
- Also in double-figure scoring was Chris Youngblood (15), Demond Robinson (13), Spencer Rodgers (11) and Terrel Burden (10).
- KSU connected on a season-high nine three-pointers, out of 24 attempts, for a 37.5% percentage.
NEXT TIME OUT: KSU closes out its three-game homestand on Friday night with a 7 pm contest against Belmont. Friday is also Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night for the Owls, as the first 250 KSU faculty/staff attendees will receive free admission, while tickets will be just $5 for any F/S after the first 250.
