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KENNESAW, Ga. – Local bragging rights went to Kennesaw State for the third straight year, as the Owls got points from all over its roster, most notably from their freshmen class that saw three finish in double-figures in a 92-69 victory over Georgia State in men's college basketball action on Saturday afternoon from VyStar Arena in front of 3,064 fans. With its third straight win in the series against Georgia state, the Owls improved to 7-2 on the season for their best-ever record after nine games in their D1 history.
STAT OF THE GAME: KSU held the Panthers to just 27% shooting for the game (19-of-70). The Owls meanwhile knocked down 32-of-61 for 52.5%, and were also as hot from three-point land, connecting on 10-of-22 for 45.5%.
OWL OF THE GAME: Freshman
Amir Taylor had his breakout game, recording new career-high and game-highs in both points (18) and rebounds (12) on the way to his first career double-double. In just his second-ever start, he finished 7-of-10 from the floor.
THE FIRST HALF: The Owls never trailed in the game, and used a pair of runs, 10-2 over a three-minute span and an 11-0 spurt over two and a half minutes to open a commanding 18-point edge, 29-18 with 10:52 on the clock. KSU then went cold from the floor, connecting on just two field goals over the next six minutes. The Panthers managed to close into the margin, with a 13-4 run cutting the lead to 10, 36-26 with 2:45 to go. A
Braedan Lue jumper in the final seconds gave KSU a 43-28 edge at the break.
THE SECOND HALF: The second half opened with KSU's leading scorer,
Simeon Cottle, being called for a flagrant foul and he was ejected from the game with just seven points in 13 minutes of action. GSU was not able to take advantage of his absence though, as the duo of Taylor and
Ramone Seals outscored the Panthers 13-12 over the opening seven minutes, giving KSU a 64-40 advantage. The Owls led 20 or more for the majority of the rest of the way, and went up by as much as 28 on a three-pointer from Taylor to make it a 91-63 game with 1:27 left.
NOTES
- Five players finished in double-figures for KSU. Joining Taylor was Lue with 15 points, freshman
Darius Washington III with 13, and
Ramone Seals and freshman
Kaden Rickard, both with 12 each.
- Adding in
Trey Simpson's seven points and nine rebounds, the Owls' four-person freshman class finished with 50 combined points and 27 combined rebounds.
- As a team, KSU held a 50-38 edge on the boards.
NEXT TIME OUT: The Owls have a short turnaround before their next game, as they conclude the three-game homestand with 12 pm contest on Monday against Southern Wesleyan. The game 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.
