Follow KSU Men's Basketball - X | Instagram
LYNCHBURG, Va. – In the first contest of the season between the top two Conference USA favorites, Kennesaw State fell behind by 17 points in the first half before rallying to make it a one-point game in the second half, but the host Liberty squad made enough plays in the final few minutes to hold on for an 81-73 victory on Friday night in men's college basketball action at Liberty Arena. The Owls dropped to 8-5, and 0-2 in league action after playing their third straight game away from home, while the Flames improved to 10-3, 2-0 in CUSA.
STAT OF THE GAME: The Owls were held to just 33.8% shooting for the night, going 27-of-80 from the floor. That would offset KSU's dominance on the boards, as they held a 49-33 advantage that helped fuel the second half run.
THE FIRST HALF: For the third straight game the Owls had a slow start in the first half, falling behind 9-1 in the first two minutes, while a 10-0 run midway though the half gave the home team its largest lead of the night at 38-21. Back-to-back baskets from
Amir Taylor helped the Owls find their rhythm on offense, and KSU would score the final two points of the half to make it a 46-33 score going into the break.
THE SECOND HALF: Braedan Lue and
Simeon Cottle combined for the first eight points of the half, while a Cottle trey with 15:24 on the clock completed an 18-2 run dating back to the first half. That also brought the Owls within a point at 48-47. KSU then had several chances to take the lead, but came up at the short at the rim each time, allowing Liberty to hold onto their advantage. The last time it was a one-point game was 53-52 thanks to a three-pointer from
Ramone Seals with 12 minutes to play. Neither team scored for the next three minutes, until Liberty ran off seven unanswered for a 60-52 edge. KSU managed to close within four, 72-68 with 3:10 to play, but the Flames scored six of the next seven points to seal the win.
NOTES
- The leading scorer in CUSA, Cottle finished with a game-high 22 points. That moves him into fifth place all-time at KSU in career scoring with 1,461 points, as he passes Columbus Ballard (1990-91).
- Joining him in double-figures was Seals with 13 and Lue with 11. Both also added nine rebounds each.
-
Frankquon Sherman nearly missed a third straight game with a double-double, after recording eight points and 12 rebounds.
- KSU held a 25-4 edge on offensive rebounds, leading to a 19-4 edge on second chance points.
NEXT TIME OUT: The Owls will next travel north for their first-ever meeting against new league member Delaware. The two teams will square off on Sunday, Jan. 4 at 2 pm in Newark, and 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.
