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KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State snapped a four-game losing streak in impressive fashion on Wednesday night, as a 19-0 second half run and a milestone setting performance from senior guard
Simeon Cottle led to a 90-80 victory over Missouri State in Conference USA men's basketball action in VyStar Arena. The Owls moved to 9-6 overall and picked up their first league victory (1-3), while the Bears dropped to 9-6, 3-1 in the conference.
STAT OF THE GAME: Just three days after their worst shooting game of the season, the Owls shot 27-of-52 from the floor for 51.9%, and knocked down 11-of-27 from three-point land for 40.7%. KSU also was strong at the line, hitting 25-of-32 from the charity stripe.
OWL OF THE GAME: Cottle became just the fifth player ever at Kennesaw State to reach the 1,500 career point mark, as he finished with a game-high 25 points, moving his total to 1,502 in his four years in the Black and Gold. He also shattered his previous career-high in assists with 11 to give him his first-ever double-double as well. Cottle sealed the game for the Owls at the line, going 8-of-8 in the final two minutes, part of a 15-of-16 performance.
THE FIRST HALF: KSU led nearly the entire game, starting out with a quick 6-2 lead off a pair of treys. The Bears came back to grab a three-point lead twice, the last at 13-10 with 13:14 on the clock. The game would be tied twice more, the last at 20-20, before a three-point play from
Frankquon Sherman and a three-pointer from freshman
Trey Simpson started a 10-0 run for the Owls. KSU would take a 42-37 lead into the break, fueled by a pair of threes from
Ramone Seals and three from Simpson in the opening 20 minutes.
THE SECOND HALF: MSU scored six of the first eight points to make it a one-point game, 44-43, two minutes into the second half. Cottle then scored three straight baskets to ignite a game-changing 19-0 run over the next seven minutes. The Bears would miss eight straight shots over that stretch, while the Owls made seven of their next nine shots. A layup from
Amir Taylor capped the run, putting KSU up 63-43. The lead grew as high as 21, before the Bears went on a 17-2 run of its own, closing the lead to 72-66. KSU connected on three-pointers on its next two trips down the court, and led by at least three possessions the rest of the way to seal the win.
NOTES
- This was the first-ever meeting between the two schools as Conference USA members, and the second all-time, with the series now tied at 1-1.
- Joining Cottle in double-figures was Simpson with 16 thanks to a 5-of-8 night from three-point land. Sherman added 14 points, while Seals chipped in 13.
- The Owls recorded 10 blocks, the most in a game since also posting 10 at New Mexico State on Jan. 23, 2025. Simpson led the way with a career-high four blocks and Sherman added three.
- Cottle's double-double was the first for an Owl in points and assists since Terrell Burden at FGCU on Feb. 22, 2024.
NEXT TIME OUT: The Owls continue their home stand with their Dark Mode game against Jacksonville State on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 5 p.m. in VyStar Arena. All fans are encouraged to wear black to the game, while free KSU Dark Mode shirts will be available to fans while supplies last. 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.
