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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State used a huge first-half run and a 28-point performance from
Simeon Cottle to claim an 88-73 victory over Jackson State on Tuesday night from VyStar Arena. The Owls moved to 6-2 on the season with the victory.
STAT OF THE GAME: KSU dominated the boards, with a 52-36 advantage, and also held a 36-16 advantage on points in the paint.
OWL OF THE GAME: Junior forward
Frankquon Sherman came off the bench with 16 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for a double-double.
THE FIRST HALF: The Owls were slow to start out the game, connecting on just three field goals in the opening seven minutes while the visiting Tigers opened up a 16-7 edge. A huge driving dunk by Cottle through traffic in the lane sparked a 17-0 Owl run that completely changed the momentum of the game. A Cottle trey would push the run up to 27-4, giving KSU a 34-20 advantage with 4:24 on the clock.
RJ Johnson then hit a pair of threes in the final minute, the last a buzzer beater from halfcourt that hit the glass and the rim before bouncing up and then falling in to give KSU a 46-32 halftime advantage.
THE SECOND HALF: The second half saw KSU score 15 points in the first five minutes to open up its largest lead of the night, 61-36 with 14:35 to play. Inconsistent shooting then plagued the Owls, and Jackson State slowly climbed back into the game, using a 13-3 run to make it a 64-49 contest with 11:01 on the clock. The Tigers eventually closed within 11, 74-63 with 3:25 to go, but the Owls held on, going back up by as much as 18 in the final minute before closing out the 15-point win.
NOTES
- Cottle just missed out on a second-straight 30+ point game, as he scored 28 on 9-of-19 shooting.
- Freshman
Kaden Rickard also collected his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
- Also in double-figures was
Ramone Seals with 13 points and seven rebounds, and Johnson with 10.
- KSU held the Tigers to 34% shooting for the game, and 28% from three-point range.
NEXT TIME OUT: The Owls continue their homestand when they host Georgia State on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. VyStar Arena. That will be the second game of a doubleheader, as the KSU women will host Thomas (Ga.) at 12 p.m., and both games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
