By: Mark Wasik
Saturday, March 8
3 p.m. (ET) – Kennesaw State (17-13, 8-8 CUSA) at Jacksonville State (20-10, 12-5 CUSA)
Location: Jacksonville, Ala. | Pete Mathews Coliseum (3,500)
TV: ESPN+ (Eli Gold/Mickey Shadrix)
Live Stats: Statbroadcast.com
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KENNESAW, Ga. – For the second straight game it's a battle of former Atlantic Sun rivals, as the Kennesaw State men's basketball looks to knock off first-place Jacksonville State in Jacksonville, Ala., in the Conference USA regular season finale for both teams. The game tips off at 3 p.m. (ET) and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
A FEW NOTES
♦ There's a lot on the line for both teams, with the Gamecocks coming into the game tied for first with Liberty and needing a win to clinch a share of the regular-season crown. KSU meanwhile can a top four finish in its first year in CUSA after being picked to finish in last place in the preseason polls.
♦ In the first meeting this year, the Owls dominated the boards with a 44-27 advantage, while Simeon Cottle and Adrian Wooley combined for 48 points to carry KSU to the 12-point win. The Owls have won three straight in the all-time series, led by KSU 6-2.
♦ A huge difference for Kennesaw State this year is its work on the defensive side. A year ago, the Owls ranked 186th in field goal percentage defense and 263rd in three-point percentage defense. KSU has made a complete turnaround in 2024-25, ranking 48th in the nation in field goal defense at 41.2%, which is also fifth in Conference USA.
♦ KSU has been pounding the boards this season, as the Owls currently rank sixth in the nation in rebounding at 40.7 per game, which paces Conference USA. They are also 19th in rebound margin at +6.6, also the top mark in the league.
♦ KSU's freshmen are currently the 4th-highest scoring freshman class in the nation at 38.1 ppg, trailing only Duke (51.7 ppg), Rutgers (45.5 ppg), and South Dakota State (39.4).
